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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

In Vitro Effects of Mercury (Hg) on the Immune Function of Mediterranean Mussel (Mytilus Galloprovincialis) Are Enhanced in Presence of Microplastics in the Extracellular Medium

Springer water 2020 1 citation ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
C. Martínez-Gómez, Juan Santos-Echeandía, José R. Rivera-Hernández, Ramón Ortuño, Marina Albentosa, Víctor M. León

Summary

Researchers investigated whether the presence of microplastics in seawater amplifies mercury toxicity in Mediterranean mussels by acting as a vector for metal accumulation. They found that microplastics enhanced mercury uptake in mussel immune cells, supporting the Trojan horse hypothesis that plastic particles deliver concentrated doses of co-contaminants to filter feeders. The study raises concern about the combined toxicity of microplastics and heavy metals in marine organisms.

Body Systems
Immune
Models
Invertebrate other
Study Type In vitro

There is a great concern that physical and chemical properties of microplastics (MPs) may facilitate the sorption of toxic metals and organic contaminants to the particle surface, serving as a enriched vector (Trojan horse) of contaminants to marine organisms following ingestion [1].

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