Litter in alien species of possible commercial interest: The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896) as case study. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Renzi, Monia; Cilenti, Lucrezia; Scirocco, Tommaso; Grazioli, Eleonora; Anselmi, Serena; Broccoli, Andrea; Pauna, Valentina; Provenza, Francesca; Specchiulli, Antonietta
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 157(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Microplastic pollution -- Alien species -- Callinectes sapidus -- Blue crab -- Lesina lagoon; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111300
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Marine litter levels were measured in the stomach contents, hepatopancreas, and gonad tissues of crustacea decapod ( Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896; n = 6), a widespread alien species affecting the Lesina lagoon. Results highlight a mean of 2.5 (SD = 1.6) items/animal and indicate the presence of metals fragments (13%) and plastics (13% PE; 6.7% PET) in the stomach contents of collected individuals. No microplastic particles were detected in the hepatopancreas or in muscle tissue, while microplastic fibres (nylon, rayon, polyester) were found present in female specimen gonads. The presence of synthetic fibres in the investigated species reflects the relative contamination level in this habitat type and suggests that the blue crab could be considered a model organism for evaluating the contamination status of the study area. Highlights: Marine litter levels were measured in tissues of the alien species Callinectes sapidus . A mean of 2.5 ± 1.6 items/animal (83.3% frequency) was recorded in stomach contents. Types were metals fragments (13%) and plastics (13% PE; 6.7% PET). No microplastics were detected in hepatopancreas and muscles. Microplastic fibres (nylon, rayon, polyester) were recorded in females' gonads (33.3%).