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Microplastics contamination in the gills of Scylla spp. from the Selangor River Estuary, Malaysia
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Scientists examined the gills of mud crabs (Scylla spp.) from a Malaysian river estuary and found 282 microplastic particles across 35 specimens, predominantly fragments followed by fibers. The pollution hazard index reached Level IV, indicating significant contamination, with fragments posing the highest risk. The study establishes these mangrove crabs as useful biological indicators for tracking microplastic pollution in coastal and estuarine environments.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a growing environmental concern owing to its widespread presence and risks to aquatic ecosystems. This study examined MPs in the gills of Scylla spp. from estuarine and coastal regions of Malaysia. As key mangrove species with high pollutant exposure, Scylla spp. serve as bioindicators of MPs contamination in brackish environments. Analysis of 35 crab samples identified 282 MPs, predominantly fragments, followed by fibers and pellets. The Pollution Hazard Index (PHI) was 658.46 (Level IV), indicating significant MPs pollution, while the coefficient of MPs impact (CMPI) showed that fragments posed the highest risk. These findings provide baseline data on MPs in Scylla spp., highlighting their role in MPs transfer and ecological risk assessment. This study emphasizes the need for continued monitoring and mitigation to address MPs pollution in aquatic environments.
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Researchers recovered 264 microplastic particles from the guts of mud crabs (Scylla serrata) collected from mangroves in Karnataka, India, averaging about 29 particles per crab, with polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, and polyester being the dominant plastics. A hazard index assessment rated the microplastic contamination as a severe risk to the crabs, underscoring the threat to mangrove ecosystems and the seafood that humans consume from them.
Microplastics in Scylla Serrata: A baseline study from southwest India
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the mud crab Scylla serrata from mangrove habitats on India's southwestern coast and found an average of about 29 microplastic particles per individual. Fibers were the dominant type, and polypropylene and polyethylene were the most common polymers detected. The study establishes a baseline for microplastic presence in a commercially important crab species, raising questions about potential human exposure through seafood consumption.
Commercially important mangrove crabs are more susceptible to microplastic contamination than other brachyuran species
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Researchers studied microplastic contamination in four species of brachyuran crabs from mangrove habitats in Malaysia's Setiu Wetlands. The study found that commercially important mud crabs (Scylla olivacea) accumulated significantly more microplastics than other species due to their carnivorous feeding behavior, with higher contamination levels during dry seasons when reduced water circulation limited pollutant dispersal.
Microplastics pollution in mud crab (Scylla sp.) aquaculture system: First investigation and evidence
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Researchers conducted the first investigation of microplastic pollution in mud crab (Scylla sp.) aquaculture systems, sampling water and sediment from multiple stations. The study found microplastic particles present across the aquaculture environment, raising food security concerns given that mud crab is a highly demanded commercial species consumed globally.
A review of plastic contamination in mud crabs (Scylla spp.): occurrence, characteristics, toxicological effect, and future direction
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This review pulls together 15 studies on mud crabs — a popular seafood — and finds that tiny plastic bits called microplastics are commonly showing up in their gut, gills, and liver-like organ, mostly from common plastics like grocery bags and food packaging (PE and PP). In crabs and fish, this plastic buildup has been linked to cell damage and stress on the body's natural defenses, but scientists still don't know enough about how much ends up in the parts we actually eat (the muscle/meat), making this an important area for more research to protect seafood safety.
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