Threats of Pollutants Derived from Electronic Waste to Marine Bivalves: The Case of the Rare-Earth Element Yttrium

The production of electrical and electronic equipment waste (e-waste) is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. This may eventually lead to its accumulation in aquatic environments, mainly because of the presence of nonbiodegradable components. The rare-earth element yttrium (Y) is particularly relevant because it is present in a wide variety of electro-based equipment. Within this context, the present study investigated the biological consequences of anthropogenic Y exposure in Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to Y (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 μg/L) for 28 days, and their bioaccumulation and biomarkers related to metabolism, oxidative stress defenses, cellular damage, and neurotoxicity were evaluated. The results revealed that tissue Y content increased at increasing exposure concentrations (though the bioconcentration factor decreased). At the lowest Y dosage (5 µg/L), mussels lowered their electron transport system (ETS) activity, consumed more energy reserves (glycogen), and activated superoxide dismutase activity, thus preventing cellular damage. At the highest Y dosage (40 μg/L), mussels reduced their biotransformation activities with no signs of cellular damage, which may be associated with the low toxicity of Y and the lower/maintenance of ETS activity. Although only minor effects were observed, the present findings raise an environmental concern for aquatic systems where anthropogenic Y concentrations are generally low but still may compromise organisms' biochemical performance. Particularly relevant are the alterations in energy metabolism and detoxification processes for their longer-term impacts on growth and reproduction but also as defense mechanisms against other stressors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:166-177. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.