Perna Viridis Research Articles

Impacts of size-fractionation on toxicity of marine microplastics: Enhanced integrated biomarker assessment in the tropical mussels, Perna viridis

Accumulation of microplastics (MP) in oceanic waters is eroding the health of marine biota. We investigated how size-fractionated MP influence the toxicity risks towards a tropical keystone species, Perna viridis. Tissue-specific bioaccumulation and in vivo toxicity of polystyrene (PS) particles (0.5, 5, and 50 μm) were measured upon continuous exposure for 7 days, followed by 7 days depuration. P. viridis were exposed to equivalent mass (0.6 mg/L), corresponding to 4.0–4.6 particles/mL, 4.6–7.1 × 103 particles/mL, and 1.1–4.8 × 106 particles/mL for 50 μm, 5 μm and 0.5 μm PS particles, respectively. Onset toxicity were quantified through the enhanced integrated multi-biomarker response (EIBR) model, measured by weighting of biological organisation levels of eight biomarkers: (i) molecular (i.e., DNA damage (comet), 7-ethoxy resorufin O-deethylase (EROD), Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP)); (ii) cellular (i.e., Neutral red retention (NRR), phagocytosis); and (iii) physiological (i.e., filtration rate). Data showed slightly elevated lysosomal instability (NRR) and antioxidant defences (FRAP, SOD, CAT, EROD) in specimens exposed to nano-PS (0.5 μm) compared to micro-PS (5 and 50 μm). Immunotoxicity (phagocytosis) and genotoxicity (comet) for haemocyte cells were significantly higher in specimens exposed to nano-PS (p < 0.05). EIBR index corroborated increasing toxicity modulated by MP sizes in descending order: 0.5 μm > 5 μm > 50 μm, with nano-PS exerted significantly higher biological effects (EIBR = 19.77 ± 5.89) than the unexposed group (EIBR = 10.97 ± 2.02; p < 0.05). Symptomatic organismal depression was manifested by the depleting filtering proficiency and weakened defence against invasive Zymosan bioparticles in the phagocytosis assay. Although impaired mussels duly recovered during depuration, individuals affected by nano-PS showed immunocompetence deficiency and gill responses that were not readily reversible, which could potentially increase their vulnerability towards further environmental stressors.

Microplastic contamination in commercially important bivalves from the southwest coast of India

Due to the ever-increasing production of plastic litter and its subsequent accumulation as microplastic in the environment, the pollution caused by microplastics is considered as a global menace, especially in the coastal ecosystem. Occurrence of microplastics in water and three commercially important bivalves, Viz. green mussel (Perna viridis), edible oyster (Magallana bilineata) and black clam (Villorita cyprinoides) from five different locations of southwest coast of India was studied. The highest abundance of microplastics was observed in water samples from Periyar River (163.67 items L−1). Among bivalves, the highest abundance of microplastics was observed in clams from Periyar River (digestive gland: 22.8 g-1; gill: 29.6 g-1), whereas the lowest abundance was observed in mussels sampled from Vembanad estuary (digestive gland: 5.6 g-1; gill: 8.5 g −1). Fibers were the most prevalent type of microplastics found in bivalve tissues across each location. Microplastics less than 2 mm were the most prevalent based on size. Polypropylene and high-density polyethylene were the two types of microplastics observed based on the results of Raman spectroscopy. No relationship was observed between shell length, tissue weight and microplastic abundance. A strong positive correlation was observed between the microplastic presence in water and bivalve tissues. The usefulness of sedentary bivalves in assessing the aquatic pollution has been validated through this study.

Effect of Abrupt Salinity Change in the Survival of Asian Green Mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) Spats

Salinity is one of the key environmental factors that affects the growth and survival of marine organisms including mussels. Five different salinity levels (40, 30, 20, 10 and 5 ppt) were used to test the effect of abrupt salinity change in the survival of hatchery-produced spats of Asian green mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758). Spats were stocked with a density of 30 individuals per 6-L tank. Salinity manipulation was conducted after 2 days from the date of stocking. Based on the results, abrupt change and prolonged exposure to lower salinities particularly of 5 and 10 ppt (up to 5 days) are detrimental to P. viridis spats. The critical time for P. viridis spats wherein they could seclude themselves from the persistent lower salinities is 28 hours from its exposure. After which, mortality could be high at about 50% and will continue in the succeeding days if low salinity persists. Critically, no single spat can survive until the 4th day of continuous exposure to very low salinity of 5 ppt. Nevertheless, surviving individuals could still recover if salinity will return to optimum levels. Additionally, spats can readily adjust to abrupt change up to 10 ppt from the optimum salinity level as seen in the high survival in 20 and 40 ppt.

Principles of Cation-π Interactions for Engineering Mussel-Inspired Functional Materials.

Supramolecular assembly is commonly driven by noncovalent interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, hydrophobic, and aromatic interactions) and plays a predominant role in multidisciplinary research areas ranging from materials design to molecular biology. Understanding these noncovalent interactions at the molecular level is important for studying and designing supramolecular assemblies in chemical and biological systems. Cation-π interactions, initially found through their influence on protein structure, are generally formed between electron-rich π systems and cations (mainly alkali, alkaline-earth metals, and ammonium). Cation-π interactions play an essential role in many biological systems and processes, such as potassium channels, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, biomolecular recognition and assembly, and the stabilization and function of biomacromolecular structures. Early fundamental studies on cation-π interactions primarily focused on computational calculations, protein crystal structures, and gas- and solid-phase experiments. With the more recent development of spectroscopic and nanomechanical techniques, cation-π interactions can be characterized directly in aqueous media, offering opportunities for the rational manipulation and incorporation of cation-π interactions into the design of supramolecular assemblies. In 2012, we reported the essential role of cation-π interactions in the strong underwater adhesion of Asian green mussel foot proteins deficient in l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) via direct molecular force measurements. In another study in 2013, we reported the experimental quantification and nanomechanics of cation-π interactions of various cations and π electron systems in aqueous solutions using a surface forces apparatus (SFA).Over the past decade, much progress has been achieved in probing cation-π interactions in aqueous solutions, their impact on the underwater adhesion and cohesion of different soft materials, and the fabrication of functional materials driven by cation-π interactions, including surface coatings, complex coacervates, and hydrogels. These studies have demonstrated cation-π interactions as an important driving force for engineering functional materials. Nevertheless, compared to other noncovalent interactions, cation-π interactions are relatively less investigated and underappreciated in governing the structure and function of supramolecular assemblies. Therefore, it is imperative to provide a detailed overview of recent advances in understanding of cation-π interactions for supramolecular assembly, and how these interactions can be used to direct supramolecular assembly for various applications (e.g., underwater adhesion). In this Account, we present very recent advances in probing and applying cation-π interactions for mussel-inspired supramolecular assemblies as well as their structural and functional characteristics. Particular attention is paid to experimental characterization techniques for quantifying cation-π interactions in aqueous solutions. Moreover, the parameters responsible for modulating the strengths of cation-π interactions are discussed. This Account provides useful insights into the design and engineering of smart materials based on cation-π interactions.

Transcriptome analysis reveals sex-specific alterations in gonads of green mussel exposed to organophosphorus insecticide triazophos

Triazophos (TP) is a widespread pollutant in aquatic environments. A sex-specific metabolic response in green-lipped mussel Perna viridis to TP exposure was observed in our previous study, and this led us to investigate the mechanisms associated with its toxicity. P. viridis were subjected to chronic exposure (15 days) to TP at 35 μg/L to compare the sex-biased transcriptomic profiles in the gonads of male and female mussels. We identified 632 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (348 up-regulated and 284 down-regulated) in TP-exposed males, and only 61 DEGs (9 up-regulated and 52 down-regulated) in TP-exposed females. Many DEGs were found to be involved in the nervous, reproductive endocrine, oxidative stress, and immune systems of P. viridis. Additionally, enzymatic activity analysis indicated TP induced neurotoxic effects and oxidative damage to the mussels. Our results demonstrate that the stress response and molecular mechanisms of TP toxicology are different between female and male mussels.

Establishing an Agenda for Biofouling Research for the Development of the Marine Renewable Energy Industry in Indonesia

Marine renewable energy holds strategic potential in Indonesia, not only to meet the target of renewable energy share in the national energy mix but also to provide equal access to clean energy throughout the archipelago. Marine energy in Indonesia is still in the early phase of development, which mainly focusses on resources assessment and power generation through technology prototype testing. Based on a review of available literature, it is found that specific research on the effects of biofouling on material durability of marine energy infrastructure in Indonesia has yet to be addressed. In this study, a matrix that identifies and predicts key fouling organisms and their possible risks on marine renewable energy infrastructure in tropical waters of Indonesia is developed by analysing previous findings in temperate and subtropical waters. Based on the matrix developed, calcareous polychaetes (Serpulidae), barnacles (Amphibalanus spp.), and bivalves (Perna viridis) are among possible key fouling organisms that might pose risks to marine energy infrastructure in Indonesia, such as by adding weight and drag and causing corrosion. Further studies and detailed and statistically robust analysis of the biofouling and its impacts are needed to support the development of the technological performance of marine renewable energy in Indonesia.

Microplastic Contamination in Blood Cockles and Mussels in Bandon Bay, Suratthani Province, Thailand

Widespread microplastic contamination has been of growing concern worldwide and poses a growing threat to the marine environment, particularly the impact on the food chain. This study quantified the presence of microplastics in two bivalves of commercial interest at the Pak Kadae Estuary, Bandon Bay, Surat Thani province, Thailand: green mussel Perna viridis (L.) and cockles Tegillarca granosa (L.). Data collection was carried out over two seasons: dry season (April - May 2019) and wet season (June - August 2019). Microplastics were extracted using a 10 % potassium hydroxide (KOH) digestion method and then identified under a microscope. Results confirmed the presence of microplastics in both cockles and green mussels, during the dry season, with mean concentrations of 0.30±0.07 and 1.26±0.10 items/individual, respectively. During the wet season, the mean microplastic concentrations were 0.20±0.07 and 0.56±0.15 items/individual in the cockles and green mussels, respectively. There was a greater concentration of microplastics found in green mussels compared to cockles (P &lt; 0.05) with no seasonal variation being observed. Five different shapes of microplastics, including fiber, fragment, pellet, rod, and film, were detected in the soft tissues of the bivalves. Fibers were the most common shape in green mussels (49 - 69 %) during both seasons. Cockles, in contrast, predominantly contained the pellet shape in the dry season (49 %) and fiber in the wet season (59 %). In addition, the microplastic concentrations were positively correlated to shell heights of the bivalves (P &lt; 0.01). The number of microplastics recorded in the two commercially exploited species demonstrated the need for controlling plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems.&#x0D; HIGHLIGHTS&#x0D; &#x0D; Green mussels showed higher contamination with microplastics than blood cockles&#x0D; An average (Mean±SD) of 0.28±0.05 to 2.14±0.36 items/individual in cockles and 0.65±0.13 to 3.43±0.21 items /individual in mussels were obtained&#x0D; Microplastic fibers were the dominant shape found in shellfish&#x0D; Blue microplastics was the most frequently found in green mussels whereas the black color dominated in cockles&#x0D; &#x0D; GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

In vitro Anticancer and Antioxidant Activity of Partially Purified Poly-saccharides from Marine Bivalves Against Human Lung Cancer Cell Lines (A549 and NCI-H460)

Marine-derived bioactive polysaccharide have aroused extensive attention because of their potential nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Polysaccharides from marine molluscs have high potential as promising candidates for drug development. In this study, partially purified polysaccharide from various bivalve species were investigated for its bioactivity. Enzyme assisted extraction technique was applied for polysaccharide extraction from marine bivalves. Five papain released crude polysaccharide extracts were prepared from four clams (Donax variabilis, Donax incarnatus, Donax cuneatus, Sunetta scripta) and one mussel (Perna viridis). Initially, all five species were subjected to biochemical and proximate analyses. Five distinct partially purified polysaccharide extracts were tested in vitro for antioxidant and anticancer properties. The cytotoxicity and cell viability of five marine bivalve extracts was investigated in normal (Vero) and two lung cancer cell lines (lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and lung large cell carcinoma (NCI-H460)). In the performed antioxidant assays, almost all the polysaccharide extracts showed strong antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. Likewise, all the five polysaccharide extracts showed significant inhibitory effects on growth of human lung cancer cells. In particular, polysaccharide from clam Donax variabilis showed high activity in the growth inhibition of both non-small cell lung cancers. This research can be considered as the foundation for the development of a new marine-derived drug whose biological activity can be assessed by further purification and characterization of the active bio-compound.

The Effect of Giving Citric Acid with Different Concentration on The Level of Heavy Metal Lead (Pb) in Meat Green Mussel (Perna viridis)

Green mussel (Perna viridis) is a fishery food that is often consumed by the community because the price is relatively affordable. This animal has the potential to be used because it has a large population, but one of the problems in Indonesian waters, especially Kenjeran Beach, is that it contains Pb metal. Consuming green mussels with Pb levels will interfere with body health, so it is necessary to take action to reduce the Pb metal content in green mussels, one of which is using citric acid. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of soaking green mussel meat in citric acid with different concentrations on the reduction of Pb heavy metal levels. This research is a laboratory experimental with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 4 different treatments of immersion concentration in citric acid (0 , 0.21 , 0.25 and 0.29 M). The results showed that the immersion of green mussel meat in citric acid with concentrations of 0.21 , 0.25 and 0.29 M had a significant effect on the reduction of heavy metal lead (Pb) after immersion in citric acid at a concentration of 0.29 M is 0.1120 ppm, 0.25 M is 0.1167 ppm and 0.21 M is 0.1160 ppm. Soaking green mussels in citric acid with different concentrations did not affect the yield value of green mussel meat.

Effect of calcination temperature on structure and characteristics of calcium oxide powder derived from marine shell waste

Marine fishery wastes such as bivalve shells, crab shells and cuttlebone are rich in calcium. Calcium carbonate derived from these materials can be transformed into calcium oxide by calcination, which is used in a wide variety of applications (e.g., biomaterials for bone and teeth implants and drugs). In this study we analyze the effects of calcination temperatures (550 °C, 700 °C and 900 °C) on characteristics and elemental composition of calcium oxide derived from shells of four marine species collected in Thailand: oyster (Saccostrea cucullata), green mussel (Perna viridis), blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus), and cuttlefish (Sepia brevimana). The XRD patterns indicated the complete transformation of calcium carbonate into calcium oxide, observed by the changes of diffraction angles at 900 °C for all calcined samples, except cuttlebone, which was calcined successfully at 700 °C. Likewise, the FT-IR results revealed changes of functional groups at the same calcination temperatures. In addition, ICP-OES showed the effects of calcination temperature on elemental contents: major elements (Ca, P and K) increased in all samples, and some minor elements increased in blue swimming crab shell (Zn and Cu) and oyster shell (Fe) as a result of increasing the calcination temperature. This study demonstrates the optimum calcination temperature of calcium oxide production from four types of marine wastes that might be benefit for the chemical compound production industry.

Genetic stock identification in Perna viridis (Linnaeus1758) from the Indian Peninsula by using microsatellite markers.

Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758), the Asian green mussel, is native to the Asia-Pacific region. The species is extensively distributed in the Indian subcontinent and is a candidate species for aquaculture in the Southeast Asian region. Availability of genetic information on wild populations is essential for the effective conservation and management of Perna species. The present study assessed the genetic variation and population structure across the distribution range of this species from the Indian peninsula by using microsatellite markers to determine the genetic structuring among the species. A total of 15 microsatellite loci with M13 labeling were used for the genetic characterization of P. viridis along Indian waters. Genotyped data were analyzed using analytical software to determine the genetic stocks and understand the genetic variability across the populations. We identified 15 polymorphic markers to understand the genetic stocks and variability across Perna populations. The mean value of the observed heterozygosity (Hobs: 0.741) for all populations was closer to the expected heterozygosity (Hexp: 0.75). The pairwise Fst values between the west and east coasts of India varied significantly, indicating the existence of significant genetic structure between the populations. Genetic stock identification using software analysis exhibited two distinct stocks, one along the west coast (Arabian Sea) and another along the east coast (Bay of Bengal). Bottleneck analysis indicated the genetic stability of species in the wild. P. viridis is a commercially vital species in Indian peninsular regions. The present study suggests the adoption of stock-specific relaying programs of the species from Indian waters in future studies.

Histopathological evaluation of bivalves from the southwest coast of India as an indicator of environmental quality.

Bivalve molluscs have been regarded as excellent bioindicators of environmental pollution as they persistently accumulate toxic contaminants present in their ecosystem. Histological alterations in the digestive gland and gills of three bivalve sp., Viz. edible oyster (Magallana bilineata), green mussel (Perna viridis) and black clam (Villorita cyprinoides) from ecologically sensitive regions of international significance on the southwest coast of India were evaluated using a semi-quantitative histopathological index to assess the environmental quality. The prominent tissue alterations included tubular vacuolation, haemocytic infiltration, parasitosis, lamellar disorganization, and the presence of prokaryotic inclusions. The presence of ten trace metals was also evaluated in the digestive gland of bivalves. The histopathological indices were evaluated season-wise and region-wise. Seasonal variation in all the reaction patterns was observed in the digestive gland across sampling zones, with the highest indices observed during post-monsoon. The indices for all the reaction patterns in the digestive gland were significantly higher in bivalves from Vembanad Lake (Z4), followed by Periyar River (Z5). The indices for cellular changes and parasitosis in gills were the highest in the Ashtamudi estuary (Z1) and Z5, respectively. The global histopathological indices of the digestive gland and gills were also the highest in Z4, followed by Z5. Principal component analysis revealed that Z4 was distinct with the highest metal pollution index. A positive relation was observed with heavy metals, digestive gland histological alterations, and season and region of sampling.

Preliminary Study and First Evidence of Presence of Microplastics in Green Mussel, Perna viridis from Phuket

Plastics can reach the coastal environment and could impact the marine environment. Mussels are marine organisms which are prone to be exposed to microplastics pollution. Therefore, in this preliminary study, the commercially important green mussel (Perna viridis) collected at the Koh Phee Canal in Phuket, Phuket Province, southern peninsular Thailand, was investigated. The collected mussels from aquaculture farm fell into three age groups, namely 1 year-1 month, 1 year-7 months, and 1 year-9 months. Results from the investigation showed 200 items of microplastics present in Perna viridis with 76 items (38%) in flushed water and 124 items (62%) in the soft tissue. The average counts of microplastics in soft tissue and flushed water were 4.13 items per individual and 2.53 items per individual, respectively. Blue color (98 items, 49%) and filament shape (185 items, 92.5%) were the most common color and shape of microplastics in the mussel tissues and the flushed water. The dominant polymers as microplastics were identified as polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, which are common polymer types used in protective packaging and containers. The statistical post hoc tests showed no significant differences by age group in the microplastics accumulation in the Perna viridis (p&lt;0.05). Further studies are required to understand the accumulation rates and residence times of microplastics across the food webs for better understanding on their impacts on human health. The results from this study provide a baseline level of microplastics contamination in green mussel aquaculture located at Phuket, and urgent measures are needed to prevent contamination of food for human consumption and related health problems.

The Effect of Chitosan Extracted from Green Mussel Shells Perna viridis on Sonneratia caseolaris Mangrove Syrup Preservation

Green mussels (Perna viridis) are one of the prospective aquatic resources that can be developed into a high-value commodity. Their shells, on the other hand, are rarely used and discarded; despite the fact that the shells are contain chitosan, which can be used as a food preservative.The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of chitosan administration from green mussel shells on Sonneratia caseolaris mangrove syrup at various concentrations. The experimental design used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 7 treatments within 3 replications. The study lasted 30 days in order tho find the best concentration of chitosan as a preservative. The McFarland method was used to evaluate the total dissolved density (Brix), the acidity (pH), the organoleptic study (aroma and color), and the bacterial density. The following treatments were used in this study: P1 to P5 (the addition of 0.1-0.5 ml of green mussel sheel chitosan solution); P6 (the negative control or without the addition of green mussel shell chitosan solution); and P7 (the positive control with the addition of 0.1 ml sodium benzoate (C7H5NaO2) as commercial preservative). The results showed that the average value of total dissolved density P1-P7 varied between 22-22.46 (Brix); acidity (pH) of P1-P7 ranged between 2-3,1; and the organoleptic test obtained points 5 (neutral) on the aroma and color test. As a conclusion, chitosan derived from green mussel shellsP. viridis is promising agent to be utilized as a preservative in S. caseolaris mangrove syrup.

Settlement of Asian Green Mussel (Perna viridis) Spat in Tampa Bay, Florida

The Asian green mussel Perna viridis, was first detected in Tampa Bay, FL, in 1999 and quickly spread throughout the bay. The long-term population trend of P. viridis from 2002 to 2017 was assessed by monitoring settlement to collectors and bycatch of P. viridis in trawls in Tampa Bay. In addition, a suite of water-quality parameters and trends in predator abundance were modeled to evaluate the effects of these variables on P. viridis in the bay. Since 2002, settlement and bycatch of P. viridis in Tampa Bay has declined by 83% and 62%, respectively, in relation to nitrogen concentrations and productivity fluctuations limiting resource availability and energy acquisition in P. viridis. While Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) landings, Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) landings, and catch per unit effort of C. sapidus in fisheries independent monitoring trawls decreased throughout the study period, C. sapidus landings were the only biotic factor that was significantly related to P. viridis settlement. Temperature and salinity extremes, while not significant parameters in the models, likely negatively affected the distribution and persistence of P. viridis in the bay. Taken together, these findings suggest that conditions within Tampa Bay were not conducive to the large-scale dominance of P. viridis that was predicted when they were first introduced and they currently do not fit the definition of a problematic, invasive species. Conditions have been sufficient for this introduced species to remain established as a relatively minor constituent of the benthic community.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of mytilin-like antimicrobial peptides from Asian green mussel Perna viridis

Mytilin is one of the most important CS-αβ peptides involved in innate immune response in Mytilidae. In this study, we successfully identified four mytilin-like antimicrobial peptides (pernalins) from Asian green mussel Perna viridis by aligning the P. viridis transcriptome with 186 mytilins and myticins related sequences collected from the transcriptome data of six Mytilus species. Analysis on gene structure showed that pernalin genes had high conservation with mytilin B of Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Interestingly, all pernalin genes have a similar tissue expression feature, evidenced by the highest transcription level observed in the hemocytes and followed by the mantle. The lowest transcription level was observed in the foot and gills. qRT-PCR analysis showed that all pernalin genes were significantly down-regulated at each time points from 3 h to 48 h after Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection, suggesting their timely immune responses after bacterial infection.

Growth of green mussel (Perna viridis L.) culture at two different depths in estuary waters of Alue Naga Village, Banda Aceh

Green mussel (Perna viridis L.) is one of economically valuable shellfish that can be potentially developed to support the people economic income. This study aimed to investigate the growth performance of green mussels at two different groups. Two groups of 15-individual green mussels’ culture was cultured repeatedly forthree times.. The two groups treatment used were 0.9 m depth and on the surface of the water. TThe growth performances were quantified in terms ofweight gain, length gain, daily growth rate, daily length growth rate, specific growth rate, specific length rate. Result showed that green mussels with a depth of 0.9 m and water surface were weight gain, length gain, daily growth rate, daily length growth rate, specific growth rate, specific length rate by values of 10.33±0.43 g, 38.12±2.02 mm, 0.11±0.004 gr/day, 0.39±0.02 mm/day, 1.60±0.11 %/day, and 0.80±0.02 %/day and 8.09±0.21 g, 33.66±0.92 mm, 0.08±0.002 g/day, 0,34±0.01, 1.27±0.03 %/day and 0.74±0.02 %/day, respectively. The growth performance of 0.9 m depth culture were significantly better that water surface culture. Therefore, it is concluded that the 0.9 m of green mussel culture is suggested to obtain the better growth performance.

Distribution of saxitoxin producing algae in Jakarta Bay and the implication to saxitoxin concentration in green mussel

Harmful algae blooms (HABs) have been associated with an annual incidence in Jakarta Bay. The The present study aimed to investigate the concentration of dinoflagellates producing saxitoxins (STXs) in Cilincing and Kalibaru regions and the STXs concentration in mussel species from this coastal water. A sampling of phytoplankton, green mussel (Perna viridis), and environmental parameters were measured during the transition from wet to dry season. The water nutrients of the Cilincing region, mainly nitrite and ammonia in some green mussel aquaculture, have exceeded the recommended concentration to support the eutrophication/algae bloom. The N/P ratio at the study area was between 10 and 22. Plankton identification found STXs producing dinoflagellates, i.e., Alexandrium sp. and Gymnodinium sp. Other species of dinoflagellates and diatom showed predominantly to trigger algae Bloom, such as Skeletonema sp., Chaetoceros sp., Prorocentrum sp., Gonyaulax sp., Protoperidinium sp., and Nitzchia sp. Further analysis of saxitoxin in mussel samples from Cilincing and Kalibar showed STX concentrations of 10.15 μg/100 g and 21.24 μg/100 g, respectively, which is fairly below the official maximum limit (80 μg/100 g) as set by FAO/WHO or national standard.

Suspended Microplastic in Sorsogon Bay Attributing &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Perna viridis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Atrina pectinata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Contamination

Marine microplastic pollution is becoming more visible and pervasive in various aquatic environments and species, including those intended for human consumption. The present study evaluated the occurrence of suspended microplastics in surface waters, the water column, and bivalves, such as Perna viridis and Atrina pectinata in Sorsogon bay. Microplastics were detected in all sampling sites and bivalve tissue samples. Surface water (0 m) and water column (5 m) samples taken from six sampling stations representing spatial consideration of the bay showed an average of 5.55 ± 1.74 items/m3 (range: 2.27 - 1.66 items/m3) and 5.80 ± 1.94 items/m3 (range: 1.93 - 14.55 items/m3), respectively. The mean microplastic number in farmed mussels and wild pen shells collected around the bay varied from 0.31 - 2.50 items/individual for mussels and 0.93 - 4.27 items/individual for pen shells. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that microplastics made up 55% of the debris analyzed, with an additional 45% natural materials, including aluminum silicate, cellulose, and chitin. It is becoming increasingly evident that Sorsogon Bay is not exempt from this paradigm. Hopefully, this will drive the community to support measures to address this issue, such as social perception and behavioral change.

Impacts of Size-Fractionation on Toxicity of Marine Microplastics: Enhance Integrated Biomarker Assessment in the Tropical Mussels, Perna Viridis

Impacts of Size-Fractionation on Toxicity of Marine Microplastics: Enhance Integrated Biomarker Assessment in the Tropical Mussels, Perna Viridis