Microplastics in Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Understanding Pollution in Italian Seas
Plastic marine litter is a critical issue that threatens marine ecosystems. This study investigated microplastics (MPs) contamination in the Italian seas, involving regions significantly affected by pollution from urban, industrial and agricultural sources. The research, conducted in collaborations between 10 different Experimental Zooprophylactic Institutes throughout Italy, analyzed <i>Mytilus galloprovincialis</i> (common mussels) for its filtration capacity and suitability as a bioindicator. Using data from two projects funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, MPs were detected from 7% to 13% of mussel samples, mainly polypropylene and polystyrene fragments and fibers. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the pervasive presence of MPs and their potential risks as mussels are consumed whole, allowing MPs to be ingested. The study underscores the need for standardized detection methods and coordinated policies to mitigate plastic pollution. Public awareness campaigns and improved waste management practices are key to addressing the environmental and health impacts of MPs. Further research on the long-term effects of MPs on marine ecosystems and human health is essential to developing comprehensive mitigation strategies.
Authors
- Matteo Zinni
- Martina Munari
- Filippo Barsi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0930-2617)
- Carmela Vaccaro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4954-8697)
- Nicola Pussini
- Cristiano Cocumelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0524-9054)
- Sebastiano Virgilio
- Silva Rubini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1764-5804)
- Fabio Di Nocera (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3370-9406)
- Silvia Vertuani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3228-0997)
- Stefano Manfredini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1348-4422)
- Negar Eftekhari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0879-6870)
- Daniela Meloni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9983-822X)
- Salvatore Dara (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5813-5608)
- Francesca Barchiesi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6260-4430)
- Carmen Losasso (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8234-1292)
- Erika Baldini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2307-8877)
- Gabriella Di Francesco (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5002-9969)
- A. Petrella
Institutions
- University of Ferrara (IT)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia (IT)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini" (IT)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche (IT)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna (IT)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IT)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (IT)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale (IT)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana (IT)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno (IT)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta (IT)
- University of Genoa (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Toxics
- Published
- 2025-02-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030144
- Citations
- 6
- Primary Topic
- Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.02
Funders
- Ministero della Salute