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Tissue-specific accumulation and human exposure risk of microplastics in the edible clam Meretrix petechialis
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) hiding throughout the edible clam Meretrix petechialis, with the highest amounts in parts like the gills and siphons that filter water. Based on how much clam people in the study area typically eat, they estimated coastal residents could be swallowing over 11,000 microplastic particles per year just from this one food, raising real concerns about food safety. While more research is needed to know exactly how this affects human health, the findings suggest it's worth paying attention to plastic pollution in the seafood we eat.
Clams constitute an important source of food for humans. Ingestion of microplastics through the consumption of the edible clam Meretrix petechialis , poses a threat to both human health and the environment. This study revealed that the average microplastic abundance in the clams was 8.62 ± 5.46 items/g (wet weight) or 36.82 ± 12.73 items/ind. Microplastic abundance in all studied clam tissues showed significant differences, which in the inflow and outflow siphons and gills of the clams was significantly higher than those in other tissues. Microplastics in the inflow and outflow siphons, gills and viscera were derived from the ingestion process, whereas those in foot, mantle, and adductor muscles were derived from adherence. The most abundant morphotype was fiber. The dominant polymer types were polyethylene (31.33%), chlorinated polyethylene (23.54%) and polypropylene (23.39%). The size range of 101–500 μm was the most abundant microplastic size. The most common color of microplastics identified in clams was blue. The average intake of microplastics by coastal residents in the study area through Meretrix petechialis consumption was approximately 11295.65 items/person/year. Results of the pollution load index and chemical composition risk assessments indicated that microplastics in the clams posed a threat to both the environment and human food safety.
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Microplastic contamination in edible clams from popular recreational clam-digging sites in Hong Kong and implications for human health
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Researchers examined 249 wild clams from recreational digging sites in Hong Kong and found that over 56% contained microplastics, averaging about one particle per individual. Based on consumption patterns, they estimated that Hong Kong residents may ingest over 14,000 microplastic particles annually from wild clam consumption alone. A risk assessment using a polymer hazard index indicated a medium level of concern for human health.
Microplastic Analysis of Consumed Mussels (Donax sp.) and Tofu Clams (Meretrix sp.)
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A study of two edible clam species sold in Indonesian markets found microplastic contamination in both, with fibers and fragments being the most common types detected. Because these shellfish are filter feeders that concentrate particles from the water, people who eat them regularly may be ingesting microplastics, raising concerns about food safety.
Microplastic pollution in commercially important edible marine bivalves: A comprehensive review
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This review summarizes research on microplastic contamination in edible shellfish like mussels, clams, and oysters, which accumulate high levels of plastic particles in their tissues. Because bivalves are eaten whole including their digestive systems, they are a direct pathway for microplastics to enter the human body. While microplastics do not appear to kill shellfish outright, they can harm their immune systems and reproduction, potentially affecting both shellfish populations and human consumers.
Potential risks of accumulated microplastics in shells and soft tissues of cultured hard clams (Meretrix taiwanica) and associated metals
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Researchers found microplastics in both the shells and soft tissues of farmed hard clams in Taiwan, with small fibers being the most common type. The soft tissues showed higher potential ecological risk from microplastics than the shells, and the health risk from eating contaminated clams was greater for children than adults. While metal levels in the clams were within safe limits, the study highlights shellfish as another source of human microplastic exposure.
Comparative study on the microplastics abundance, characteristics, and possible sources in yellow clams of different demographic regions of the northwest coast of India
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Researchers measured microplastics in yellow clams collected from urban and rural coastal sites along northwest India, finding some of the highest contamination levels ever recorded globally — averaging 91 microplastic particles per individual clam. Clams from heavily populated areas showed worse health scores, suggesting microplastic exposure may be directly harming shellfish that people eat.
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