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Edible bivalves and gastropods as bioindicators of MP pollution: Contamination patterns, and environmental significance
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Shellfish like clams, mussels, and sea snails soak up tiny plastic particles from ocean water and sediment, and this review of existing studies found that snails tend to carry even more microplastic than clams or mussels — especially wild-caught ones. Since we typically eat these creatures whole, guts and all, this contamination matters for seafood lovers, though scientists still need more consistent testing methods to pin down exactly how much plastic ends up on our plates and what that means for our health.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is widespread in marine ecosystems, with edible bivalves and gastropods acting as important bioindicators due to their feeding modes and direct relevance to seafood consumption. This review synthesizes global evidence on MP contamination in these taxa, focusing on spatial patterns, particle characteristics, analytical methods, bioaccumulation, ecological risk, and human exposure. Gastropods showed higher mean MP concentrations (6.35 mps g ww) than bivalves (2.89 mps g ww), with wild populations generally more contaminated than cultured ones. Fibers were the dominant MP type, followed by fragments, while polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the most frequent polymers. The mean highest recorded bivalve contamination (9.18 mps g ww) was observed in South America, indicating a significant hotspot. Pollution load index revealed comparatively higher contamination risk in Asia and Europe. Human exposure estimates varied widely across regions, strongly influenced by both environmental contamination and seafood consumption rates. Methodological inconsistencies in digestion, density separation, and identification approaches limit data comparability and highlight the need for standardized protocols. Bivalves are more reliable indicators of water-column MPs, whereas gastropods better reflect sediment-associated contamination but remain less standardized for monitoring applications. Overall, this review emphasizes the need for harmonized analytical methods, expanded geographic coverage, and integrated environmental, human health risk frameworks to improve global MP assessment and policy development.
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Microplastics were found in bivalves across 70 species in 36 countries, with mussels (Mytilus spp.) and oysters (Crassostrea spp.) most studied, but inconsistent digestion and identification methodologies make meaningful cross-study comparisons of contamination levels difficult.
Microplastics in global bivalve mollusks: A call for protocol standardization
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Researchers reviewed 61 studies on microplastic contamination in bivalve mollusks worldwide, finding that these filter-feeding shellfish consistently contain microplastics regardless of location. The study found significant differences in contamination levels between bivalve families based on their habitats, suggesting that both water-dwelling and sediment-dwelling species can be used to monitor different types of microplastic pollution. The authors call for standardized sampling and analysis protocols to enable meaningful comparisons across future studies.
Microplastics in Mollusks: Research Progress, Current Contamination Status, Analysis Approaches, and Future Perspectives
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This review synthesizes 77 studies (2010-2021) on microplastic contamination in mollusks, finding that polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene are the most common polymers in bivalves, with most particles under 500 µm in size and a positive correlation between seawater and mollusk MP abundance.
Microplastics contamination and risk assessment in bivalves of economic importance from Beypore estuary, Southern India
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Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in green mussels and clams from the Beypore estuary in southern India and found widespread contamination, with fibers being the most common particle type. They calculated health risk indices for people who regularly eat these shellfish and found the risk was currently low but worth monitoring. Since bivalves are eaten whole, including their digestive systems, they represent a direct pathway for microplastics to enter the human diet.
Microplastic Contamination and Exposure in Gastropods: A Literature Review
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This literature review examined microplastic contamination in gastropod species across marine environments, assessing ingestion rates, particle types, and potential consequences for organism health and human seafood safety. The review found that gastropods consistently harbor microplastics, particularly fibers, and that bottom-dwelling species are among the most exposed due to sediment contact.
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