Assessing Microplastic Contamination in Freshwater Gastropods: A Case Study of invasive Potamopyrgus antipodarum (J. E. Gray, 1843) in Türkiye

Abstract

Plastics have become one of the most significant environmental threats due to their widespread use and persistence in ecosystems. Among these, microplastics (MPs) pose severe risks to aquatic organisms. This study investigates MP contamination in the invasive freshwater gastropod Potamopyrgus antipodarum from Kocabaş Stream, Türkiye. Potamopyrgus antipodarum is widely distributed in freshwater ecosystems and serves as a bioindicator species for pollution studies. Despite the growing concern over MP pollution, research on its impact on gastropods remains limited. Sampling was conducted in September 2024 at Kocabaş Stream, an ecologically important water body exposed to domestic, industrial, and agricultural pollution. A total of 100 individuals were collected using an Ekman-Birge Grab and a D-frame hand net. Samples were preserved in ethanol and dissected to analyze MP ingestion. Laboratory analysis was performed using a Zeiss Stemi 508 stereo microscope. This study provides the first evidence of MP contamination in P. antipodarum from this region. The findings highlight the potential role of freshwater gastropods in monitoring MP pollution and emphasize the need for further research on their ecological impacts. Understanding MP ingestion in bioindicator species such as Potamopyrgus antipodarum is crucial for evaluating freshwater ecosystem health. Our findings emphasize the ecological significance of freshwater gastropods and highlight their potential use in biomonitoring programs, reinforcing the need for conservation strategies in freshwater habitats.