Effects of microplastics on bivalves: Are experimental settings reflecting conditions in the field?

Baroja, E., Christoforou, E., Lindstrom, J. and Spatharis, S. (2021) Effects of microplastics on bivalves: Are experimental settings reflecting conditions in the field? Marine Pollution Bulletin, 171, 112696. (doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112696) (PMID:34252736)

Abstract

Bivalves are the focus of experimental research as they can filtrate a broad size range of microplastics (MPs) with negative consequences for their physiology. Studies use a range of MP shapes, materials, sizes and concentrations raising the question on whether these reflect environmental observations. We review experimental studies on the effects of MPs on marine bivalves and contrast the MP characteristics used with corresponding data from the environment. Mussels were the most common bivalve across experiments which reflect their high abundance and broad distribution in the field. Although fibres are the dominant shape of MPs in coastal systems, most studies focus on spherules and beads, and MP concentrations are often orders of magnitude higher than environmental levels. For higher relevance of experimental findings we recommend that maximum experimental concentrations of MPs are in the range of 100-1000 particles/L, that there is more focus on microfibers and that concentration is reported in particles/volume.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: We would like to thank Nissad Development Company and The A.G. Leventis Foundation for their financial support (sponsors had no further involvement in this review).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Christoforou, Miss Eleni and Spatharis, Dr Sofie and Lindstrom, Dr Jan

Creator Roles

Christoforou, E.: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing, Visualization, Funding acquisition
Lindstrom, J.: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – review and editing, Supervision
Spatharis, S.: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – review and editing, Supervision, Project administration

• Authors: Baroja, E., Christoforou, E., Lindstrom, J., and Spatharis, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Marine Pollution Bulletin
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0025-326X
• ISSN (Online): 1879-3363
• Published Online: 09 July 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Marine Pollution Bulletin 171:112696
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher