engleski

Effects of PMMA microplastic on cells and tissue of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis after an experimental exposure

The widespread occurrence of plastic is becoming an increasing problem in the natural environment. Microplastic particles (MPs) in the marine environment have more subtle effects than bigger fragments because their size range is overlapping with that of particles ingested by filter-feeders. In this context, the effect of two-particle sizes (10 μm and 50 μm) of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate, known as plexiglass) on ecologically significant mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis has been investigated. This experimental study aims to investigate if the PMMA particles are taken up into the mussel gills and transpor ted to the haemolymph and digestive system causing the effect on mussel health. Mussel health status was evaluated by measuring the condition index (CI) and survival test of mussels in the air (Stress on stress, SOS test) after 72h exposure of low (0.1 mg/L), medium (1.0 mg/L) and high (10.0 mg/L) concentration of PMMA particles. The effect of 10 μm and 50 μm PMMA particle exposure was observed by increasing total haemocytes counts and reducing cell viability with a higher concentration of both particle sizes. The results also noted a significant increase in levels of vacuolized haemocytes as a result of PMMA exposure. Only 10 μm PMMA was detected in gills and digestive gland of exposed mussels by histological analysis, thus causing physiological damages as decreased condition and fitness index in the exposed mussel. This study provides proof of the principle that MP is taken up into tissue and causes significant effects of mussel health.

microplastics ; PMMA ; mussels ; condition index (CI) ; SOS test ; haemocyte

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