FROM THE LAUNDRY TO THE OCEAN: HOW TEXTILE MICROFIBERS COMPROMISE THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF OYSTERS

Abstract

Polyester microfibers are common pollutants in aquatic environments, impacting filter-feeding organisms such as the oyster Crassostrea gasar. This study examined changes in the digestive glands of oysters exposed to microfibers from washing machines, simulating environmental conditions. Oysters were exposed to 531 MFs/L for 21 days, in each tank, with polyester extracted from the filter and washing machine hose. The results indicate harmful effects, such as intratubular necrosis, fibrosis, and hemocyte infiltration, caused by exposure to washing machine-extracted polyester in the oysters' digestive glands, demonstrating structural and functional changes in filter-feeding organisms and, potentially, in human health