We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Particle characteristics of microplastics contaminating the mussel Mytilus edulis and their surrounding environments
Summary
Researchers investigated microplastic uptake into mussels (Mytilus edulis) and their surrounding sediment and seawater at nine intertidal sites in southwest England, characterizing particle abundance, size, shape, and polymer composition across environmental compartments and mussel tissue.
We investigated the environmental partitioning and particle characteristics of macro-, meso- and microplastics and their uptake into the mussel, Mytilus edulis. Sediment samples, overlying seawater and mussels from 9 intertidal locations in the South West of England were analysed for abundance and type of microplastic. Micro- and mesoplastic-like particles were found in 88.5% of the 269 mussels sampled, ranging from 1.43 to 7.64 items per mussel. Of these plastic particles, 70.9% were identified as semi-synthetic (mainly modified-cellulose). Mussel microplastic abundance, but not polymer type, was correlated with that of their surrounding sediment, but not with sea-surface microplastic concentration or mussel size for our study sites. We found significant differences in the relative abundance of polymer types and particle sizes between seawater, sediment, and mussels, with mussels over-representing modified-cellulose fibre abundance but under-representing polyvinyl. Mussels contained significantly smaller plastic fragments than their surrounding sediment and shorter fibres than their overlying seawater.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Major characteristics of microplastics in mussels from the Portuguese coast
Microplastics were characterized in mussels (Mytilus spp.) collected from the Portuguese coast, documenting abundance, shape, color, and polymer composition, with fibers and fragments dominated by polyester and polyethylene.
Quantification and characterization of microplastics in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis): protocol setup and preliminary data on the contamination of the French Atlantic coast
Researchers quantified and characterized microplastics in blue mussels from a study site, finding microplastics in a large proportion of sampled individuals and documenting the types and sizes of particles present.
Microplastics in Mollusks: Research Progress, Current Contamination Status, Analysis Approaches, and Future Perspectives
This review synthesizes 77 studies (2010-2021) on microplastic contamination in mollusks, finding that polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene are the most common polymers in bivalves, with most particles under 500 µm in size and a positive correlation between seawater and mollusk MP abundance.
Comparative analysis of microplastic pollution in commercially relevant seafood across different geographical regions
This study compared microplastic contamination across commercially relevant seafood species commonly consumed in the European market, characterizing both the morphological and chemical properties of particles found in edible tissue. Results showed widespread but variable contamination across species, with polymer types and particle abundance differing by species and tissue type.
Where are we? Towards an understanding of the selective accumulation of microplastics in mussels
This review synthesizes published research on how mussels selectively accumulate microplastics, examining what factors such as particle size, shape, polymer type, and environmental conditions influence which plastics end up in mussel tissue versus being rejected. The study aims to improve the use of mussels as bioindicator species for monitoring marine microplastic pollution by identifying key variables that affect accumulation patterns.