Are Mytilus species suitable bioindicators for assessing aquatic pollution along the Black Sea Coast? A review

This review aims to summarize the possibility of using mussels (Mytilus spp.) as bioindicators to assess aquatic pollution in the Black Sea in Bulgaria. In addition, the main responsive biomarkers that could be applied to study the negative effects of different toxicants on these species in terms of using the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and implementation of environmental quality standards (EQS) in marine biota are also discussed. A specific reference is made to plastic pollution, transplant mussel caging, and mussel watch programs - their application, challenges, and future perspectives in Bulgaria.