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Organ-specific distribution of microplastics in commercial and native crab species from the southern Mediterranean: evidence from the Bizerte Lagoon, Tunisia
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Researchers examined microplastics in two crab species from the Bizerte Lagoon in Tunisia, an invasive blue crab and a native crab. Both species had microplastics, mostly fibers, in their digestive tracts and gills, with higher amounts in the digestive tract. The plastics were identified as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate.
Marine organisms are susceptible to microplastics (MPs) via ingestion and trophic transfer. This study provides the first quantitative assessment of MPs in two crab species from the Bizerte Lagoon (northern Tunisia): the invasive blue crab Portunus segnis and the native crab Liocarcinus depurator. MPs were detected in the digestive tract and gills of all specimens, with higher concentrations in the digestive tract. Mean MP abundances in P. segnis were 4.16 ± 1.72 and 1.83 ± 0.98 items individual−¹ in the digestive tract and gills, respectively, while corresponding values for L. depurator were 4.80 ± 2.09 and 2.70 ± 1.05 items individual−¹. Although L. depurator showed a higher total MP load (7.5 ± 2.32 items individual−¹) than P. segnis (6.0 ± 1.55 items individual−¹), the difference was not significant. Fibres accounted for over 96% of MPs, whereas fragments and films were scarce. Black, blue, and clear particles predominated, and sizes ranged from 0.13 to 4.66 mm, mainly within the 0.5–3 mm fraction. FTIR-ATR analysis identified polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as dominant polymers. These findings highlight significant MP contamination in the Bizerte Lagoon and suggest that both crab species may serve as candidates for monitoring coastal MP pollution.
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Researchers collected blue swimming crabs from the Gulf of Thailand and found microplastics in 62.5% of external body parts and 72.2% of internal parts, with fibers dominating and gut tissue showing the highest contamination. The findings indicate widespread MP ingestion in commercially harvested crabs and potential food safety implications.
Microplastics in commercial molluscs from the lagoon of Bizerte (Northern Tunisia)
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in six species of commercially harvested molluscs from the lagoon of Bizerte in northern Tunisia. They found microplastic concentrations ranging from roughly 700 to 1,500 items per kilogram of wet weight, with fibers being the most common type and polyethylene and polypropylene the main polymers detected. The results suggest widespread microplastic pollution in these commercially important shellfish, raising concerns about trophic transfer through the food web and human dietary exposure.
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Researchers examined the stomach contents of 120 invasive blue crabs collected from the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and found that nearly 66% contained microplastics or microfibers. The most common particles were fibers, with an average of 1.4 particles per individual. The study highlights the widespread ingestion of microplastics by this invasive species and raises concerns about contaminant transfer through marine food webs.
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