Bivalves with potential for monitoring microplastics in South America

Microplastic (<5mm) accumulation in water environments is an emerging concern issue, it can be absorbed throughout the food chain. Filter organisms are the most susceptible, so they have the potential to be an environmental sentinel. Thus, tests were carried out with three mussels species in order to investigate the filtration and prevalence of microplastic in them. The investigated bivalves have shown different forms of microplastics in soft tissues, feces and pseudofeces. However, the identification of polymer blends is still tricky. This outcome has indicated the potential of these bivalves to be used as bioindicators associated with this contaminant in environments.