13 Mar 2023 --- Young mussels exposed to high levels of plastic microfibers show restricted growth according to a new study by scientists at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, University of East Anglia and the University of Plymouth, England. “As microfibers are so prevalent in the marine environment, it is vital we try to understand their impact on different indicator organisms, such as the blue mussel which is a key marine species important for global food security,” says Christopher Walkinshaw, PhD student at Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of East Anglia and lead author of the study. Fibers are one of the most common forms of microplastic identified in environmental studies, accounting for up to 91% of the total identified microplastics in some studies. The findings could have negative effects on the marine ecosystem and potentially lead to commercial implications.
