Recently, Greek scientists have deployed thousands of mussels on the seafloor to help detect microplastics.

About Mussel
Mussels are bivalve mollusks found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats worldwide. They are a nutritious and popular food source but also play a critical ecological role, and some species serve as bio-indicators of environmental health. 

Mussel species
The term "mussel" refers to members of several mollusk families. 

Marine mussels
Marine mussels are known as "true mussels" and are part of the family Mytilidae. Most species have a shell that is longer than it is wide and often dark blue, blackish, or brown on the outside. 

• Blue mussel (Mytilus edulis): This edible species is common throughout the North Atlantic and is widely used in commercial aquaculture. A bed of blue mussels is often found in the intertidal zone attached to rocks.
• Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Native to the Mediterranean and Black Sea, this species has been introduced to many other temperate regions.
• New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus): Found in New Zealand, this mussel is a large, commercially important species known for the green edge of its shell. 

Freshwater mussels

• Freshwater mussels are classified in a different subclass from marine mussels. Many of them, like the freshwater pearl mussels (Unionida), are known as "muckets". 
• Zebra mussel (Dreissena): This is a tiny, invasive freshwater species that can cause widespread ecological and commercial damage by filtering out phytoplankton and clogging water-intake pipes. 

Nutritional benefits

• Mussels are a highly nutritious food source, offering a low-calorie and protein-rich meal with a range of health benefits. A 3-ounce serving of steamed mussels contains approximately 146 calories, 20.2g of protein, and 3.8g of fat, according to Precision Nutrition's Encyclopedia of Food. 
• Omega-3s: Mussels contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can support heart and brain health.
• Vitamins and minerals: They are an excellent source of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, selenium, iron, and zinc, and a good source of vitamin C and folate.
• Immune support: Some nutrients in mussels, particularly zinc, are crucial for a healthy immune system. 

Ecological and environmental role
As filter feeders, mussels play a significant role in their aquatic ecosystems. 

• Water filtration: They improve water quality by filtering out plankton, bacteria, and toxins. This is why they are often used as bio-indicators to monitor the health of aquatic environments.
• Habitat creation: Marine mussels often clump together in large, dense beds on wave-washed rocks, creating shelter and food sources for other marine species.
• Nutrient removal: In some aquaculture projects, mussels are farmed to help mitigate excess anthropogenic nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the water. 
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