Microplastics Affect Energy Balance and Gametogenesis in the Pearl Oyster Pinctada margaritifera

Type Article
Date 2018-05
Language English
Author(s) Gardon TonyORCID1, Reisser CelineORCID1, Soyez Claude1, Quillien Virgile1, Le Moullac GillesORCID1
Affiliation(s) 1 : IFREMER, UMR Ecosyst Insulaires Oceaniens EIO, UMR UPF ILM IRD Ifremer 241, Ctr Pacifique, BP 49, F-98719 Taravao, French Polynesi, France.
Source Environmental Science & Technology (0013-936X) (Amer Chemical Soc), 2018-05 , Vol. 52 , N. 9 , P. 5277-5286
DOI 10.1021/acs.est.8b00168
WOS© Times Cited 140
Abstract

Plastic pollution in the environment is increasing at global scale. Microplastics (MP) are derived from degradation of larger plastic items or directly produced in microparticles form (<5 mm). Plastics, widely used in structures and equipments of pearl farming, are a source of pollution to the detriment of the lagoon ecosystem. In order to evaluate the impact of MP on the physiology of Pinctada margaritifera, a species of ecological and commercial interests, adult oysters were exposed to polystyrene microbeads (micro-PS of 6 and 10 μm) for 2 months. Three concentrations were tested: 0.25, 2.5, 25 μg L-1 and a control. Ingestion and respiration rate and assimilation efficiency were monitored on a metabolic measurement system to determine the individual energy balance (Scope For Growth, SFG). Effects on reproduction were also assessed. The assimilation efficiency decreased significantly according to micro-PS concentration. The SFG was significantly impacted by a dose-dependent decrease from 0.25 μg L-1 (p < 0.0001). A negative SFG was measured in oysters exposed to 25 μg L-1. Gonads may have provided the missing energy to maintain animals’ metabolism through the production of metabolites derived from germ cells phagocytosis. This study shows that micro-PS significantly impact the assimilation efficiency and more broadly the energy balance of P. margaritifera, with negative repercussions on reproduction.

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