First Record of Microplastic Contamination in the Non-Native Dark False Mussel <i>Mytilopsis leucophaeata</i> (Bivalvia: Dreissenidae) in a Coastal Urban Lagoon.

ABSTRACT: Microplastic contamination is a global concern due to its conspicuous presence in aquatic ecosystems and its toxic nature to environmental and human health. False mussels are among the most notable fresh- and brackish water invaders. The invasive Mytilopsis leucophaeata in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon-RFL (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is the most abundant macrofaunal invertebrate, widely established and distributed throughout the lagoon. This study aimed to assess microplastic contamination in this invasive filter feeder and evaluate its potential use as a bioindicator. Agglomerates (~100 mussels) were manually collected using a stainless-steel spatula in ten sampling areas distributed throughout the whole lagoon and kept frozen. In the laboratory, 60 individuals were sorted by area for sof

SUBMITTER: Neves RAF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10815431 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature