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Linking microplastic pollution to coastal ecosystem connectivity and blue economy sustainability: Evidence from green mussels (
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) consistently present in coastal waters and green mussels off Indonesia, with levels changing month to month due to pollution from homes, fishing, ports, and industry nearby. Since these mussels are commonly eaten seafood, this plastic buildup raises concerns about what ends up on our plates, underscoring the need for better coastal pollution management to protect both marine health and food safety.
Microplastic pollution has become a major environmental concern in coastal ecosystems, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure, such as Tambak Lorok, Semarang, Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate temporal variation in microplastic abundance in coastal waters and green mussels ( Perna viridis) and to identify their morphological and polymer characteristics. Sampling was conducted at three stations over a five-month period (May–September 2025). Microplastics were identified and classified into fibers, fragments, films, and pellets, while polymer types were analyzed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed that microplastics were consistently detected throughout the study period, with the highest abundance in water recorded in July (97 particles/L), indicating temporal variability influenced by environmental conditions and human activities. Fibers were the dominant microplastic type, followed by fragments, films, and pellets. ATR-FTIR analysis identified polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and poly(diallyl phthalate), suggesting inputs from domestic, fisheries, port, and industrial activities. The occurrence of microplastics in green mussels and their temporal variation demonstrate connectivity between environmental and biological compartments. These findings highlight potential risks to seafood safety and emphasize the need for effective coastal management to support ecosystem resilience and a sustainable blue economy.
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Characteristics of microplastics pollution in important commercial coastal seafood of Central Java, Indonesia
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination in three commercially important seafoods from coastal Indonesia — milkfish, blood cockles, and green mussels — finding that all three contained plastic particles, with green mussels carrying the highest load at an average of 71 particles per individual. The variety of polymer types detected, including rubber and styrene compounds, confirms that microplastics are entering the human food chain through commonly consumed seafood.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF MICROPLASTIC ABUNDANCE IN GREEN MUSSEL Perna viridis AND THE WATERS OF MANGKANG BEACH, SEMARANG
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A study of green mussels (Perna viridis) farmed in a coastal area of Semarang, Indonesia found microplastics in both the surrounding water and mussel tissue, with statistical analysis confirming a significant relationship between water contamination levels and mussel body burden. Because green mussels are widely consumed locally, this finding highlights a direct pathway for microplastic exposure through seafood in the region.
Microplastics in green mussels (Perna viridis) from Jakarta Bay, Indonesia, and the associated hazards to human health posed by their consumption
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Researchers found microplastics in all 120 green mussels sampled from Jakarta Bay, identifying 12 polymer types, and estimated that Indonesian shellfish consumers may ingest up to 775,000 microplastic particles annually depending on consumption levels.
Microplastic Pollution in Green Shells in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Literature Review of Determinant Factors and Management
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This literature review synthesized 35 studies on microplastic contamination in green mussels (a widely consumed shellfish), finding that fibers under 1 mm were the most common form and that both human and industrial activities drive contamination levels. Because mussels filter large volumes of water, they concentrate microplastics from their surroundings and pass them on to people who eat them, making shellfish a key pathway for human dietary exposure.
Microplastics Contamination in the Kalirejo Coastal Area, East Java, Indonesia and their Presence in Green Mussels (Perna viridis)
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Researchers surveyed the waters and green mussels along the Kalirejo coast in East Java, Indonesia, and found microplastics in all samples, with higher concentrations at shallower depths. Polyethylene fragments were the most common type, and there was a strong correlation between microplastic levels in the water and in mussel tissues, indicating the animals absorb plastics directly from their environment. The findings raise concerns about both ecological impacts and potential health risks from consuming contaminated shellfish in this major mussel farming region.
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