Journal
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Volume 177, Issue -, Pages 1-3Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.01.046
Keywords
Microplastic; Plastic; Polystyrene; Trophic; Transfer
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This study investigated the trophic transfer of microplastic from mussels to crabs. Mussels (Mytilus edulis) were exposed to 0.5 mu m fluorescent polystyrene microspheres, then fed to crabs (Carcinus maenas). Tissue samples were then taken at intervals up to 21 days. The number of microspheres in the haemolymph of the crabs was highest at 24 h (15 033 ml(-1) +/- SE 3146), and was almost gone after 21 days (267 ml(-1) +/- SE 120). The maximum amount of microspheres in the haemolymph was 0.04% of the amount to which the mussels were exposed. Microspheres were also found in the stomach, hepatopancreas, ovary and gills of the crabs, in decreasing numbers over the trial period. This study is the first to show 'natural' trophic transfer of microplastic, and its translocation to haemolymph and tissues of a crab. This has implications for the health of marine organisms, the wider food web and humans. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available