A new study shows that microplastics are affecting the ability of mussels to attach themselves to their surroundings – potentially having a devastating impact on ocean ecosystems as well as a worldwide industry worth between 3-4 billion US dollars per year.
A new study shows that microplastics are affecting the ability of mussels to attach themselves to their surroundings – potentially having a devastating impact on ocean ecosystems as well as a worldwide industry worth between 3-4 billion US dollars per year.
The new research, published in the journal Environmental Pollution, was led by Dr Dannielle Green of Anglia Ruskin University, and was carried out at the Portaferry Marine Laboratory in Northern Ireland.
The researchers found that blue mussels exposed to doses of non-biodegradable microplastics over a period of 52 days produced significantly fewer byssal threads, which are thin fibres that help mussels attach themselves to rocks and ropes.
As well as enabling mussels to survive waves and strong tides, and stay attached to their surroundings, these byssal threads also enable them to form extensive reefs that provide important habitats for other marine animals and plants.
Read more at Anglia Ruskin University
Photo Credit: Dr Dannielle Green
