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Microplastics contamination in the gills of Scylla spp. from the Selangor River Estuary, Malaysia
Summary
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.