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Polystyrene microplastic exposure alters the shell matrix proteome and compromises biomineralization in the freshwater snail Planorbarius corneus
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Freshwater snails (Planorbarius corneus) were exposed to 5 µm polystyrene microplastics for 51 days, leading to reduced shell growth rates and altered shell matrix proteome composition compared to controls. The disruption of biomineralization-related proteins suggests polystyrene MPs impair a fundamental physiological process in molluscs.
The continuous growth of plastic production makes microplastic pollution a globally significant environmental issue. Biomineralization, vital for mollusk growth and development, provides essential shell protection and support. However, studies on microplastic impacts on freshwater snail biomineralization remain scarce. This research exposed Planorbarius corneus snails to 5-μm polystyrene microplastics for 51 days. The control group exhibited significantly higher shell-width growth rates and egg-laying volumes than the exposed group. Proteomic analysis of shell matrix proteins (SMPs) via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified 213 SMPs in controls versus 189 in high-concentration exposed snails. Microplastics altered SMP composition and abundance, affecting tyrosinases, acidic matrix proteins, macroglobulins, and globins. This study reveals fundamental proteome-level disruptions in shell biomineralization caused by microplastics in freshwater snails.
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Zebra mussels were exposed to polystyrene microbeads (1 and 10 μm) for 6 days and analyzed by mass spectrometry-based proteomics, with both particle sizes producing significant changes in protein expression linked to oxidative stress, immune function, and cellular structure. The study provides the first proteomic evidence that microplastics disrupt molecular pathways in a freshwater bivalve model organism.
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Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastic exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations affects biomineralization processes in the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata. The study found that microplastics altered calcium transport enzyme activity and hemolymph calcium levels within 24 hours, and interestingly, exposed snails showed an increased capacity to regenerate their shells. These findings provide novel evidence that microplastics can stimulate biomineralization responses in mollusks, potentially as a stress-related defense mechanism.
Toxic Impact of Polystyrene Microplastics (PS-MPs) on Freshwater Mussel Lamellidens marginalis
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Researchers exposed freshwater mussels to polystyrene microplastic fibers for up to 15 days and measured changes in biochemical parameters across multiple tissues. The study found reduced protein levels and enzyme activity changes in gills, hepatopancreas, mantle, and foot tissues, with the integrated biomarker response indicating progressively worsening physiological stress over the exposure period.
Exposure to microplastics reduces attachment strength and alters the haemolymph proteome of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis)
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Researchers found that blue mussels exposed to polyethylene microplastics for 52 days produced fewer attachment threads and lost about 50% of their grip strength. Both conventional and biodegradable microplastics altered proteins in the mussels' blood involved in immune regulation, metabolism, and structural development, suggesting microplastics could undermine reef formation.
Metabolic profiles and protein expression responses of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) to polystyrene microplastic stress
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Researchers exposed Pacific oysters to polystyrene microplastics for 21 days and found the particles caused oxidative stress and disrupted the oysters' metabolism, particularly amino acid processing. Different microplastic concentrations triggered different metabolic changes in the oysters. Since oysters are a popular seafood, these findings raise questions about food safety and whether microplastic-stressed shellfish could affect consumer health.
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