We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ecotoxicological Effects of Chemical Contaminants Adsorbed to Microplastics in the Clam Scrobicularia plana
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed clams to low-density polyethylene microplastics that had been pre-contaminated with persistent organic pollutants and measured ecotoxicological effects including oxidative stress and genotoxicity. The study found that microplastics carrying adsorbed chemical contaminants caused greater biological damage than clean microplastics alone, suggesting that the pollutant-carrier role of microplastics amplifies their environmental impact on bivalves.
Although microplastics are distributed globally in the marine environment, a great deal of unknowns relating to their ecotoxicological effects on the marine biota remain. Due to their lipophilic nature, microplastics have the potential to adsorb persistent organic pollutants present in contaminated regions, which may increase their detrimental impact once assimilated by organisms. This study investigates the ecotoxicological effects of exposure to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics (11 – 13 µm), with and without adsorbed contaminants (benzo[a]pyrene - BaP and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid - PFOS), in the peppery furrow shell clam, Scrobicularia plana. Environmentally relevant concentrations of contaminants (BaP - 16.87±0.22 µg g-1 and PFOS - 70.22±12.41µg g-1) were adsorbed to microplastics to evaluate the potential role of plastic particles as a source of chemical contamination once ingested. S. plana were exposed to microplastics, at a concentration of 1 mg L-1, in a water-sediment exposure setup for 14 days. Clams were sampled at the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and after 3, 7 and 14 days. BaP accumulation, in whole clam tissues, was analysed. A multi-biomarker assessment was conducted in the gills, digestive gland, and haemolymph of clams to clarify the effects of exposure. This included the quantification of antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and biotransformation (glutathione-S-transferases) enzyme activities, oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation levels), genotoxicity (single and double strand DNA breaks), and neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase activity). Results suggest a potential mechanical injury of gills caused by ingestion of microplastics that may also affect the analysed biomarkers. The digestive gland seems less affected by mechanical damage caused by virgin microplastic exposure, with the MP-adsorbed BaP and PFOS exerting a negative influence over the assessed biomarkers in this tissue.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics effects in Scrobicularia plana
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed clams to polystyrene microplastics for 14 days and found that the particles accumulated in tissues and were not fully eliminated even after a week of depuration in clean water. The microplastics caused measurable oxidative damage, DNA damage, and neurotoxic effects in the clams. The study demonstrates that even short-term microplastic exposure can cause lasting biological harm in marine bivalves.
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) adsorbed to polyethylene microplastics: Accumulation and ecotoxicological effects in the clam Scrobicularia plana
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed clams to polyethylene microplastics of two sizes, with and without adsorbed PFOS, over 14 days to assess accumulation and toxicity. The study found that microplastic ingestion and PFOS accumulation were size-dependent, with both types of microplastics generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting antioxidant systems in gill and digestive gland tissues, confirming that microplastics can act as vectors for persistent chemical pollutants in marine bivalves.
Effects of the UV filter, oxybenzone, adsorbed to microplastics in the clam Scrobicularia plana
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists exposed the clam Scrobicularia plana to oxybenzone (a UV filter in sunscreens) adsorbed to microplastics and found greater bioaccumulation and oxidative damage than with oxybenzone alone, demonstrating that microplastics enhance the bioavailability of adsorbed organic contaminants.
Ecotoxicological effects of microplastics and adsorbed contaminants on aquatic organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes ecotoxicological studies on microplastics and their adsorbed contaminants in microalgae, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. Across all tested organisms, microplastics caused growth inhibition, reduced reproduction, and physiological stress — particularly when carrying additional chemical contaminants.
Comparative accumulation and effects of microplastics and microplastic-associated PCB-153 in the white hard clam (Meretrix lyrata) and giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) following chronic exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared how microplastics and microplastic-bound PCB-153 accumulate in clams and prawns over a chronic exposure period. They found that both species accumulated microplastics and associated contaminants, but the patterns of accumulation and toxic effects differed between the two organisms. The study demonstrates that microplastics can act as carriers of harmful chemicals into seafood species, with the combined exposure causing more oxidative stress than either pollutant alone.
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.