Freshwater mussel larvae exposed to plastic microfibers

Freshwater mussels found in Southern Ontario have a parasitic life stage called a glochidium. Here, glochidia were exposed to plastic microfibers in a toxicity test to determine whether these particles have an effect on their functional viability. To complete their life cycle, glochidia must parasitize the gills of a fish, clamping on just like Pacman would!
Five freshwater mussels larvae