Mussels could play key role in microplastic cleanup

According to a study, a square metre of mussels can filter up to 150,000 litres of water

Spotted: Scientists at the UK’s Plymouth Marine Laboratory have begun a one-year feasibility study of the capability of mussels to filter microplastics from natural waterways. Mussels are known for their resilience, capable of living in polluted water that other species would not be able to tolerate. As well as being naturally robust, mussels are incredibly efficient. In one day, a single square metre of mussels can filter a whopping 150,000 litres of water. 

The research being undertaken is examining this work rate – the aim of which is to maintain the shellfish’s health while maximising the amount of pollution being removed from the water.

The first stage of the study is laboratory-based, whereby scientists decide on the best ways to collect faeces from the mussels. These faeces are easy to capture and contain the microplastic pollution. Potential uses for the waste include biofuels.

Following lab tests, bio reefs of mussels will be mapped onto a variety of marine environments to determine the efficacy of the approach in different locations. The researchers see considerable potential in this approach for cleaning a range of bodies of water. Bio reefs could be situated upstream of mussel farms to help ensure clean food as well as at the source of pollution to help reduce further downstream contamination.

Other means spotted by Springwise of cleaning the Earth’s waters include capturing the microplastics from washing machines, and a floating device that traps plastics already in rivers and oceans.

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