Abstract
Microplastic continues to be an environmental concern, especially for filter feeding bivalves known to ingest these particles. It is important to understand the effects of microplastic particles on the physiological performance of these bivalves and many studies have investigated their impact on various physiological processes. This study investigated the effects of microplastic (10 μm) on digestive enzyme (amylase) activity of Mytilus galloprovincialis at 55,000 and 110,000 microplastic particles/L under laboratory conditions. Additionally, our study measured the expression of an isoform of Hsp70 in the gills to assess whether or not these particles may cause protein denaturation. Results revealed that this regime negatively affect the ability of M. galloprovincialis to digest starch under high food conditions but not low food conditions. Exposure to extreme levels of microplastic raised amylase activity. Furthermore, Hsp70 transcript abundance was not elevated in treatment mussels. These results show that mussels may be resilient to current microplastic pollution levels in nature.
Highlights
Microplastics are manmade polymers that are ubiquitous throughout the world
We investigated whether microplastics affect the function of the digestive gland in M. galloprovincialis by measuring amylase enzyme activity in mussels exposed to microplastic particles under two food concentration levels
The effect of microplastics on the digestive system of M. galloprovincialis under laboratory conditions was assessed under varied plastic concentrations and food conditions in order to explore future implications for mussel health when they are exposed to elevated plastic pollutants
Summary
Investigators have identified microplastics in artic snow [1], the deep sea [2], fruits and vegetables [3], human stool [4], and other macro and microenvironments [5]. As new investigations of plastic debris emerge, it is clear that microplastic abundance in the environment is a phenomenon that poses negative health consequences for all organisms on the planet. Plastic breaks down by UV radiation, chemical degradation, wave mechanics, and grazing marine life [7], but does not fully degrade. Several studies have shown that microplastics pollute the ocean through a variety of anthropogenic processes [10] and the scientific community is in agreement that these particles will have long-term consequences for marine life
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