Interactions between microplastics and particle-feeding bivalve molluscs: Implications for trophic transfer and toxicological effects
Ward, J.E.; Mladinich, K.; Blaschik, N.; Holohan, B.A.; Shumway, S.E. (2025). Interactions between microplastics and particle-feeding bivalve molluscs: Implications for trophic transfer and toxicological effects, in: Shumway, S.E. et al. Plastics in the sea: occurrence and impacts. pp. 277-329. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-822324-6.00010-4
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| Trefwoorden |
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| Author keywords |
Microplastics; Bivalve molluscs; Particle feeding |
| Auteurs | | Top |
- Ward, J.E.
- Mladinich, K.
- Blaschik, N.
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- Holohan, B.A.
- Shumway, S.E.
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| Abstract |
Microplastics (MP; 1 μm–5 mm) are an emerging contaminant found in aquatic and marine environments worldwide. Whether suspended in the water column or deposited on sediments, MP are available to particle-feeding bivalve molluscs. Numerous studies have examined the ingestion, egestion, and accumulation of MP by these animals to explore potential interactions with plastic particles. Many, however, have neglected the rich literature on the basic biology of bivalves, resulting in a misunderstanding of particle feeding and digestive processes and capabilities for pre- and postingestive selection. As such, they possess misinformation, misinterpretation, and incorrect assumptions regarding uptake, accumulation, and elimination of MP by these animals. This chapter provides a primer on particle feeding processes, including selection and ingestion, by bivalves, and outlines quality assurance and control procedures that should be followed to obtain accurate results. It summarizes studies that have reported accumulation of MP in tissues and discusses the difficulties in assessing actual accumulation in animals that continually process large numbers of particles per unit time. Arguments are made for why bivalves are not robust bioindicators of microplastics in the environment. Finally, the chapter provides critiques of laboratory studies that have exposed bivalves to MP in order to investigate translocation to nongut tissues, egestion and gut residence times, and potential toxicological effects. Recommendations are presented for future studies on the interactions between MP and particle-feeding bivalves. |
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