We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of microplastics and mercury in the freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774): Filtration rate, biochemical biomarkers and mercury bioconcentration
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed freshwater bivalves to microplastics, mercury, and their combination, then measured filtration rates, biochemical biomarkers, and mercury bioconcentration during exposure and recovery periods. The study found that microplastics did not significantly alter mercury bioconcentration in the bivalves but that the mixture caused additive oxidative stress effects, and recovery was incomplete after the exposure period ended.
The main objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of a mixture of microplastics and mercury on Corbicula fluminea, the post-exposure recovery, and the potential of microplastics to influence the bioconcentration of mercury by this species. Bivalves were collected in the field and acclimated to laboratory conditions for 14 days. Then, a 14-day bioassay was carried out. Bivalves were exposed for 8 days to clean medium (control), microplastics (0.13 mg/L), mercury (30 µg/L) and to a mixture (same concentrations) of both substances. The post-exposure recovery was investigated through 6 additional days in clean medium. After 8 and 14 days, the following endpoints were analysed: the post-exposure filtration rate (FR); the activity of cholinesterase enzymes (ChE), NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), octopine dehydrogenase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferases (GST), and the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO). After 8 days of exposure to mercury, the bioconcentration factors (BCF) were 55 in bivalves exposed to the metal alone and 25 in bivalves exposed to the mixture. Thus, microplastics reduced the bioconcentration of mercury by C. fluminea. Bivalves exposed to microplastics, mercury or to the mixture had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased FR and increased LPO levels, indicating fitness reduction and lipid oxidative damage. In addition, bivalves exposed to microplastics alone had significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction of adductor muscle ChE activity, indicating neurotoxicity. Moreover, bivalves exposed to mercury alone had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited IDH activity, suggesting alterations in cellular energy production. Antagonism between microplastics and mercury in FR, ChE activity, GST activity and LPO levels was found. Six days of post-exposure recovery in clean medium was not enough to totally reverse the toxic effects induced by the substances nor to eliminate completely the mercury from the bivalve's body. These findings have implications to animal, ecosystem and human health.
More Papers Like This
Impacts of Microplastics, Cadmium, and Their Mixtures on Biochemical Biomarkers in the Freshwater Bivalve Corbicula fluminea (Bivalvia, Corbiculidea)
AI summary Read the abstract
This study evaluated the combined impacts of microplastics and cadmium on biochemical biomarkers in a freshwater organism, finding that co-exposure caused greater oxidative stress and cellular damage than either contaminant alone. Microplastics appear to enhance cadmium bioavailability and toxicity.
Multi-Biomarker Responses of Asian Clam Corbicula fluminea (Bivalvia, Corbiculidea) to Cadmium and Microplastics Pollutants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed Asian clams to cadmium, microplastics, and their mixtures, then measured a battery of biomarkers including oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and neurotoxicity indicators. They found that the combined exposure to cadmium and microplastics produced interactive effects that differed from exposure to either contaminant alone. The study demonstrates that microplastics can modify the toxicity of heavy metals in freshwater bivalves, highlighting the importance of studying pollutant mixtures rather than individual contaminants.
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.
Microplastics increase mercury bioconcentration in gills and bioaccumulation in the liver, and cause oxidative stress and damage in Dicentrarchus labrax juveniles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed juvenile European sea bass to mercury, microplastics, and their mixture for 96 hours and found that microplastics increased mercury bioconcentration in gills and bioaccumulation in the liver. The combination of microplastics and mercury also caused greater oxidative stress and lipid damage than either contaminant alone, suggesting microplastics may amplify the toxicity of co-occurring pollutants.
Uptake and effects of the antimicrobial florfenicol, microplastics and their mixtures on freshwater exotic invasive bivalve Corbicula fluminea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea to the antimicrobial florfenicol, microplastics, and mixtures of both for 96 hours. Microplastics were found throughout the animals' digestive systems, gills, and connective tissues, and both contaminants individually inhibited cholinesterase enzyme activity. The study indicates that antimicrobials and microplastics can co-occur in freshwater organisms and may produce combined biochemical 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.