REMOVING MICROPLASTICS

These technologies and techniques can help reduce microplastics’ environmental impact

MUSSEL POWER

In 2021, studies carried out at the UK’S Plymouth Marine Laboratory found that mussels – and in particular their poop – could help scientists remove microplastics from rivers and estuaries. The experiment, which focused on blue mussels, uncovered that because these creatures can filter microplastic pieces out from their bodies and into their faeces, they become buoyant when excreted.

By using this method, a quarter of all waterborne microplastics that these mussels encounter can be released to the water’s surface for collection. The scientists discovered that 300 blue mussels can filter out 250,000 microplastics per hour using this method. Since the experiment, trials have begun to find an effective system for mussel microplastic removal. These involve submerging masses of mussels in containers, with nets attached to collect the microplastic-filled faeces.

Blue mussels filter their food from the water