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Distribution patterns of microplastics in seawater and sediment, and their bioaccumulation by Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) in the coastal regions of Qingdao, China
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Scientists found tiny plastic bits (microplastics) in seawater, sea-floor mud, and clams along the coast of Qingdao, China — with pollution levels rising in summer and near busy urban and tourist areas. The clams absorbed these plastic particles quickly but took much longer to clear them out, meaning the shellfish you eat could act as a storage site for microplastics before they end up on your plate. While this study doesn't prove health harm to humans, it's a reminder that the seafood we eat may carry more plastic than we'd like — something researchers say deserves more careful study.
Microplastic pollution has become a growing concern in urban coastal ecosystems, where seawater, sediment, and benthic organisms may jointly reflect environmental contamination and biological exposure. This study investigated microplastics in seawater, sediment, and the clam Ruditapes philippinarum along the Qingdao coast, China. All samples contained microplastics, with mean abundances of 635.67 ± 247.94 items m in seawater, 262.74 ± 147.80 items kg DW in sediment, and 20.28 ± 15.72 items ind. in clams. Microplastic abundances showed clear spatial and seasonal variation, with relatively high levels in highly urbanized and recreational areas during summer and autumn. Fibres were the dominant shape across seawater, sediment, and clam samples, while polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyamide (PA) were the major polymers. Multivariate analyses indicated partial compositional overlap among seawater, sediment, and clam samples, supporting possible compartmental connectivity. Exposure experiments showed that R. philippinarum could ingest, retain, and depurate ingested microplastics, with rapid early accumulation and slower clearance under controlled high-exposure concentrations. Overall, this study provides regional evidence of microplastic contamination and bioaccumulation potential in an intensively used coastal ecosystem, highlights shellfish as important biological receptors of coastal microplastics, and supports cautious interpretation of ecological risks and transfer-related processes.
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The occurrence and exposure of microplastics in bivalves from Qingdao, China
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in bivalves such as clams and mussels from the coast of Qingdao, China, and assessed human dietary exposure from eating them. They found an average of about one microplastic particle per individual shellfish, with fibers and rayon being the most common types. The study suggests that regular bivalve consumption in the region contributes to ongoing human microplastic exposure.
Microplastic Ingestion by Wild and Cultured Manila Clams (Venerupis philippinarum) from Baynes Sound, British Columbia
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Researchers documented microplastic quantities in wild and cultured Manila clams from Baynes Sound, British Columbia. The study found that both farmed and wild clams contained microplastics, raising concerns about the transfer of these contaminants through the food web to higher trophic levels, including humans who consume shellfish.
Effects of Different Polystyrene Concentrations on the Bioaccumulation of As, Cd, and Pb in Ruditapes Philippinarum
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Researchers tested how polystyrene microplastics at different concentrations affect the accumulation of arsenic, cadmium, and lead in Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum), finding that higher microplastic concentrations generally increased heavy metal bioaccumulation over time. The study suggests that microplastics can act as vectors that enhance heavy metal uptake in commercially harvested shellfish.
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.
LEVELS OF MICROPLASTICS IN MUSSELS (Perna viridis) AND MANILA CLAM (Venerupis philippinarum) IN BACOOR CITY, CAVITE AND CALATAGAN, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES
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Researchers in the Philippines found microplastics in both mussels and Manila clams from two coastal locations, with mussels from the more urbanised Bacoor City site containing the highest amounts. Because these shellfish are consumed frequently — sometimes daily — by local communities, the findings point to a regular dietary route of microplastic exposure for the population.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.