Filipa Rodrigues

Ms. Filipa Rodrigues

University of Aveiro - Department of Biology
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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18 January 2022 in Toxics
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Journal Article
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FRFilipa Rodrigues
Filipa Rodrigues
Hugo VieiraHugo Vieira
Hugo Vieira
Diana CamposDiana Campos
Diana Campos
Sílvia F. S. PiresSílvia F. S. Pires
Sílvia F. S. Pires
Andreia RodriguesAndreia Rodrigues
Andreia Rodrigues
Maria Donas-Bôtto BordaloMaria Donas-Bôtto Bordalo
Maria Donas-Bôtto Bordalo
Plastic pollution and invasive species are recognised as pervasive threats to marine biodiversity. However, despite the extensive on-going research on microplastics’ effects in the biota, knowledge on their combination with additional stressors is still limited. This study investigates the effects of polyamide microplastics (PA-MPs, 1 mg/L), alone and in combination with the toxic exudate from the invasive red seaweed Asparagopsis armata (2%), after a 96 h exposure, in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Biochemical responses associated with oxidative stress and damage, neurotoxicity, and energy metabolism were evaluated in different tissues (gills, digestive gland, and muscle). Byssus production and PA-MP accumulation were also assessed. Results demonstrated that PA-MPs accumulated the most in the digestive gland of mussels under PA-MP and exudate co-exposure. Furthermore, the combination of stressors also resulted in oxidative damage at the protein level in the gills as well as in a significant reduction in byssus production. Metabolic capacity increased in both PA-MP treatments, consequently affecting the energy balance in mussels under combined stress. Overall, results show a potential increase of PA-MPs toxicity in the presence of A. armata exudate, highlighting the importance of assessing the impact of microplastics in realistic scenarios, specifically in combination with co-occurring stressors, such as invasive species.