Bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in freshwater pearl mussels Hyriopsis cumingii in Poyang Lake

Thirty-five PPCPs were measured in representative freshwater pearl mussels (Hyriopsis cumingii) in Poyang Lake, the largest lake of China, as well as their responses to sedimentary PPCPs. We observed 32 PPCPs in soft tissues of mussels at a total concentration of 2721.5 & PLUSMN; 929.3 ng & BULL;g � 1 dry weight (dw), much higher than those in sediments (21 PPCPs, 273.2 & PLUSMN; 89.4 ng & BULL;g � 1 dw). Anti-inflammatories were the primary contaminants detected in both sediments and mussels. PPCP concentrations in mussels exhibited significant organ-specific characteristics, and gonads were identified as a hotspot for these contaminants. Correlation analysis showed that gonads were more likely to assimilate triclosan from sediments. Biochemical analysis revealed a higher physiological sensitivity of glutathione synthesis in gonads to sedimentary PPCPs, suggesting the long-term oxidative damage. Our findings highlight the concern on the potential effects of sedimentary PPCPs to propagation of mussels, and emphasize the necessity to formulate strategies for sedimentary PPCPs control targeting a healthy lake.

Automated summary

Thirty-five PPCPs were measured in freshwater pearl mussels in Poyang Lake, China, and their response to sedimentary PPCPs were observed. The concentration of PPCPs in soft tissues of mussels was much higher than that in sediments, with anti-inflammatories being the primary contaminants detected. The gonads of mussels were identified as a hotspot for these contaminants, and correlation analysis showed that they were more likely to assimilate triclosan from sediments. These findings highlight the concern on the potential effects of sedimentary PPCPs and the necessity to formulate control strategies for a healthy lake.