Work

Microfibre ingestion by the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) is dependent on fibre type and biofilm development

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Fibrous microplastics represent an anthropogenic pollutant affecting aquatic systems globally. However, fibres formed from natural materials (e.g., cotton or wool) have only recently been recognised as potentially posing similar ecological threats as their synthetic counterparts. In this study we employed a laboratory-based aquarium experiment to examine the ingestion of preselected anthropogenic (polyester – microplastic) and ‘natural’ (cotton) microfibres by the Asian Clam ( Corbicula fluminea). We considered how the ingestion, retention, and rejection of preselected microfibres (specific, distinctive colours), differed associated with fibre type (cotton vs polyester), biofilm development (control – no biofilm / uncultured, 1-week culturing and 4-week culturing) and time (1-48 hours). We found that the ingestion of microfibres was complex, dependent on the interaction of culturing and fibre type. Greater retention of synthetic microfibres was recorded compared to ‘natural’ microfibres as the duration of culturing increased. We also observed that ingestion of microfibres was immediate but that microfibres were rejected and visually observed in pseudofaeces. Our results suggest that the time microfibres spend within the environment, allowing biofilm to develop on their surface, influences the ingestion of microfibres and we call for further studies to consider this in the future. • Anthropogenic and natural fabric fibre ingestion by Asian Clams was assessed. • Greater ingestion of anthropogenic fibres than ‘natural’ fibres occurred. • The presence and age of biofilm significantly affected fibre ingestion. • More fibres were retained in the short- (1-2 hrs) than long-term (24-48 hrs). • Most fibres were rejected as pseudofaeces and not retained in the organism.

Source: Environmental Pollution

DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125962

Authors: Alisha Higgins, Paul J. Wood, Kate L. Mathers

Institution: Loughborough University

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,090