A high percentage of the broad spectrum of contaminants in aquatic environments is represented by personal care products (PCPs). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is contained in the formulation of many of these products. The extensive use of PVA caused the annual release of over 65.000 tons into the environment, constituting 1.2 % of particles in the Mediterranean Sea. For these reasons, the study aimed to investigate, for the first time in bivalve species, the possible cytotoxicity implications on non-target species, involved in the human food chain, caused by exposure to two different concentrations of PVA (PVA1: 0.1 mg L-1 and PVA2: 10 mg L-1). Following a fortnight of exposure, cell viability, regulation of cell volume decrease, oxidative stress, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Moreover, the capability of the animal to produce byssal plaques was observed, representing a novelty for assessing the health status of mussels. The results showed a modification in the regulatory capacity of cell volume, particularly in those exposed to PVA2. An alteration in the superoxide dismutase activity (in PVA2) and in the levels of oxidatively modified proteins (PVA1 and PVA2) was detected in gills. A modification in the byssal plaque production following PVA exposure was also observed. These findings enrich the knowledge about the interaction between PVA and organisms, underscoring further research's need to elucidate the environmental implications.

Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology University of Veterinary Sciences Brno Palackeho tr 1946 1 Brno 612 42 Czech Republic

Department of Biology Ecology and Earth Science University of Calabria Rende 87036 Italy

Department of Chemical Biological Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31 Messina 98166 Italy

Department of Chemical Biological Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31 Messina 98166 Italy; Department of Eco sustainable Marine Biotechnology Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Naples Italy

Department of Veterinary Sciences University of Messina Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc Messina 98168 Italy

Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily Via Gino Marinuzzi Palermo 90129 Italy

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