Quantification and identification of potential microplastics relative to the size of juvenile soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria)
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Date
2022-04
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University of New Brunswick
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are a widespread pollutant in the marine environment. These contaminants are found in benthic organisms, including the soft-shelled clam (Mya arenaria), an ecologically and economically important filter-feeding bivalve. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between the concentration of potential MP and clam size (mm and mean tissue weight). Since filtration rates are thought to affect MP ingestion in bivalves, it is hypothesized that smaller individuals will possess a higher concentration of MP per gram of soft tissue due to their greater filtration rate. I also examined whether MP type was independent of juvenile size. Juvenile and adult M. arenaria were collected from Kouchibouguac, NB and digested in KOH to extract potential MP, which was identified under a dissecting microscope. Potential MP concentration had a significant non-linear relationship to M. arenaria size, with the highest concentrations (per g of soft tissue or individual) in small juveniles. Potential MP type was independent of juvenile size. 90% of potential MPs identified in this study were fibres and their concentration shared the same non-linear relationship to size as total potential MPs. The results of this project suggest that juvenile M. arenaria may be more vulnerable to any negative effects of MP ingestion than larger individuals.