We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
From a Global Archived Data Perspective: Larger Bivalves Mean More Microplastics?
Summary
By compiling data from roughly 40,000 bivalves across 102 species worldwide, researchers discovered that larger shellfish contain more microplastic particles in total, but fewer particles per gram of tissue. Based on this relationship, the study estimates that people worldwide consumed over 6 trillion microplastics through bivalve seafood in 2022 alone. The findings provide a practical tool for predicting microplastic contamination in farmed and wild shellfish, with direct implications for human dietary exposure.
Bivalves are a significant source of seafood for people, but so far there have been many studies revealing the presence of microplastics (MPs) in bivalves, yet the role of bivalve biometric parameters in link with MP burden in bivalves remains underexplored. Here we collected published data and found that the study region for MPs in bivalves was spread across the globe, reporting approximately 40,000 bivalves and comprising 102 species in 22 families. A linear positive correlation was obtained between average MP abundance (items/individual) and average shell length of bivalves, while a negative exponential relationship between average MP abundance (items/g) and average shell length of bivalves was found. This suggested that larger bivalves tend to contain more MPs (items/individual), but MP abundance (items/g) tends to be lower in larger bivalves. It was conservatively estimated that the annual dietary intake of MPs of bivalves from global 21 countries reached 6.39 × 1012 MPs in 2022. Besides, the study found that the soft tissue wet weight of bivalves is an available parameter to estimate the abundance of MPs in bivalves from markets and aquafarms. The findings of this study will provide valuable information that would help to better understand the global bivalve MP contamination character.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Froma Global Archived Data Perspective: Larger BivalvesMean More Microplastics?
Researchers analyzed a global archived dataset on microplastic burdens in bivalves, finding that larger bivalve body size is associated with higher microplastic content, and exploring how biometric parameters such as shell length influence MP accumulation across species.
Towards Risk Assessments of Microplastics in Bivalve Mollusks Globally
Researchers compiled data from 22 countries to assess the risk of microplastic contamination in bivalve mollusks such as mussels and oysters. While most countries showed relatively low pollution levels, the chemical composition of the microplastics found in bivalves varied widely, with some polymers posing greater health concerns than others. The study estimates that regular consumption of contaminated bivalves could represent a meaningful pathway for human microplastic exposure.
How does bivalve size influence microplastics accumulation?
Researchers surveyed microplastic accumulation in hard clams from a fishery port in southern China and found an average of about 25 microplastic particles per individual clam. The study found that as clam shell size increases, total microplastic count per individual rises but concentration per gram decreases, with fibers, fragments, and polyethylene being the most common types detected.
Microplastics in bivalves cultured for human consumption
Researchers examined two commercially farmed bivalve species, mussels and oysters, and found microplastics in the edible tissues of both. Mussels contained an average of 0.36 particles per gram of tissue, while oysters had 0.47 particles per gram. Since these shellfish are consumed whole without removing the gut, the study suggests they represent a direct pathway for human ingestion of microplastics.
Are bivalves a source of microplastics for humans? A case study in the Brazilian markets
Researchers found that all four species of bivalves sold in Brazilian markets contained microplastics, averaging 1.64 particles per gram, confirming that commercially sold shellfish are a source of microplastic exposure for consumers.