Microplastics in rocky shore mollusks of different feeding habits: An assessment of sentinel performance

Author(s)

Ribeiro, Victor Vasques ; Soares, Thaiza Maria Avelino ; De-la-torre, Gabrielenrique ; Casado-Coy, Nuria ; Sanz-Lazaro, Carlos ; Castro, Italo Braga

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Environmental Pollution; v. 346, p. 10-pg., 2024-02-20.

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in rocky shore organisms has limited knowledge. This study investigated MPs accumulation in filter-feeding oysters, herbivorous limpets and carnivorous snails to assess their performance as sentinel species in the MPs trophic transfer. The samples were obtained along a contamination gradient in the Santos Estuarine System, Brazil. All three studied species showed MPs concentrations related to the contamination gradient, being the oysters the species that showed the highest levels, followed by limpets and snails (average of less and most contaminated sites of 1.06-8.90, 2.28-5.69 and 0.44-2.10 MP g-1, respectively), suggesting that MPs ingestion rates are linked to feeding habits. MPs were mainly polystyrene and polyacetal. The polymer types did not vary among sites nor species. Despite minor differences in percentages and diversity of size, shape, and color classes, the analyzed species were equally able to demonstrate dominance of small, fiber, transparent, black and blue MPs. Thus, oysters, limpets, and snails are proposed as sentinels of MPs in monitoring assessments. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/05277-2 - Bivalve molluscs as historical sentinels of microplastic contamination
• Grantee: Thaiza Maria Avelino Soares
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 22/14011-3 - Bivalve molluscs as contemporary and historical sentinels of microplastic contamination
• Grantee: Ítalo Braga de Castro
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/08669-6 - Bivalve molluscs as contemporary and historical sentinels of microplastic contamination
• Grantee: Victor Vasques Ribeiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate