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

Mar Pollut Bull. 2020 Aug:157:111300. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111300. Epub 2020 May 29.

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.

Keywords: Alien species; Blue crab; Callinectes sapidus; Lesina lagoon; Microplastic pollution.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brachyura*
  • Female
  • Hepatopancreas
  • Introduced Species
  • Ovary
  • Plastics

Substances

  • Plastics