Assessment of the ingestion of aged microplastics by mussels in an exposure experiments

Abstract

Microplastics are small pieces of plastics, ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm. During the last decades the world became more dependent on plastics, it breaks down into microplastics and nanoplastics. It is dangerous for people and animals' health. Now there are microplastics in air, water, human bodies and animals. Since many organisms are a food source, it has become essential to investigate the presence, the abundance and the distribution of microplastics in organisms. This study regards an exposure experiment, where mussels have been exposed to aged microplastics, to mimic what may happen in the environment. This study could help to better understand the pathways and the potential bioaccumulation of microplastics in these organisms. Seawater employed in the exposure experiment and organisms were analyzed to assess the occurrence and the abundance of aged microplastics. The results were compared with those obtained for a control group. The data obtained will give useful insight for the evaluation of the potential impact on human beings and to implement strategies of management and possible plastic reduction in the environment, in order to improve the quality of sea product as well.