Gardon, Tony Reisser, Céline Soyez, Claude Quillien, Virgile Le Moullac, Gilles Microplastics Affect Energy Balance and Gametogenesis in the Pearl Oyster <i>Pinctada margaritifera</i> 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 equipment of pearl farming, are a source of pollution to the detriment of the lagoon ecosystem. To evaluate the impact of MP on the physiology of <i>Pinctada margaritifera</i>, 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, 0.25, 2.5, and 25 μg L<sup>–1</sup>, and a control were tested. 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<sup>–1</sup> (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), and a negative SFG was measured in oysters exposed to 25 μg L<sup>–1</sup>. 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 <i>P. margaritifera</i>, with negative repercussions on reproduction. 10 μ m;impact;micro-PS;energy balance;SFG;germ cells phagocytosis;MP;Pearl Oyster Pinctada margaritifera;Microplastic;reproduction;assimilation efficiency;concentration 2018-04-05
    https://acs.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Microplastics_Affect_Energy_Balance_and_Gametogenesis_in_the_Pearl_Oyster_i_Pinctada_margaritifera_i_/6137363
10.1021/acs.est.8b00168.s001