We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
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
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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].
More Papers Like This
Mercury interactions with algal and plastic microparticles: Comparative role as vectors of metals for the mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared the role of microplastics and microalgae as mercury vectors in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), finding that microplastic-bound mercury had lower clearance rates (82%) than microalgae-bound mercury (95%) but resulted in higher total Hg accumulation and elimination. Despite facilitating Hg entry, microplastics also promoted faster Hg elimination, with mercury accumulating primarily in the digestive gland rather than the gills of MP-exposed mussels.
The adverse impact of microplastics and their attached pathogen on hemocyte function and antioxidative response in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how microplastics carrying pathogenic bacteria affect the immune system of mussels. They found that while microplastics alone caused moderate immune cell disruption, the combination of microplastics and Vibrio bacteria significantly weakened antioxidant defenses and triggered cell death in mussel blood cells. The study demonstrates that microplastics can act as a "Trojan horse," delivering harmful pathogens into marine organisms and amplifying their toxic effects.
Bioaccumulation of emerging contaminants in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Influence of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether microplastics influence the bioaccumulation of emerging contaminants in Mediterranean mussels. The study found that the presence of microplastics altered how certain chemical pollutants accumulated in mussel tissue, suggesting that microplastics can act as carriers that change the uptake and distribution of other contaminants in marine organisms.
Effects of microplastics and mercury on manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum: Feeding rate, immunomodulation, histopathology and oxidative stress
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed Manila clams to polyethylene microplastics and mercury, both individually and in combination, to study their effects on feeding, immune response, and tissue health. The study found that while microplastics were ingested and spread to various tissues, they played a negligible role in transporting mercury into the clams. Both pollutants independently reduced filtration rates, impaired immune function, and caused tissue damage in the gills and digestive glands.
Effects of microplastics alone or with sorbed oil compounds from the water accommodated fraction of a North Sea crude oil on marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether polystyrene microplastics could act as a Trojan horse for oil pollutants in marine mussels and found that while mussels accumulated PAHs from crude oil exposure, microplastics alone did not significantly enhance pollutant transfer or cause additional toxic effects.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.