engleski

Effects of PMMA microplastic on 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 larger fragments because their size range overlaps with that of particles ingested by filter-feeders. In this context, the effect of two-particle sizes (10 μm and 50 μm) of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, known as plexiglass) on ecologically significant mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis has been investigated. This experimental study has focused on determination of PMMA particles uptake by the mussel gills and the subsequent transport of these microparticles to the haemolymph and digestive system causing adverse effects on mussel health. Mussel health status was evaluated by measuring the condition index (CI) and survival in air (SOS, stress on stress test) after 72 h exposure to low (0.1 mg/L), medium (1 mg/L) and high (10 mg/L) concentrations of PMMA microparticles. The effects of exposure to 10 μm and 50 μm PMMA particles were noted as increased total haemocytes counts and reduced cell viability at the 10 mg/L concentration of both particle sizes. Results also indicated a significant increase in levels of vacuolised haemocytes as a result of PMMA exposure. Only 10 μm PMMA was detected in the gills and digestive gland of exposed mussels by histological analysis, and were correlated with physiological damage as decreased condition and fitness indices in the exposed mussels. This study provides proof of principle that MPs are taken up into tissue and causes significant effects on mussel health.

condition index (CI) ; gills ; haemocytes ; microplastic particles (MPs) ; SOS test

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