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Microplastics contamination in cultured and wild molluscan seafood from the bay of Bengal coast: Ecosystem threats and consumer exposure risks.
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Researchers examined oysters, mussels and snails, both farmed and wild, from coastal Bangladesh, finding microplastics, mostly tiny fibers, in all samples. Several plastic types were detected, with some posing greater chemical hazard. Estimated consumption through these seafoods ranged from thousands to over ten thousand plastic particles per person yearly.
Microplastic contamination and associated polymer toxicity in mollusks are emerging concerns for ecosystem health and seafood safety in coastal environments. This study compares microplastic abundance, polymer composition, and exposure risks in wild and cultured populations of Crassostrea madrasensis, Perna viridis, and Telescopium telescopium from coastal Bangladesh. Microplastics were detected in all species, with mean abundances ranging from 0.68 ± 0.22 to 1.12 ± 0.10 items g-1. Fibres dominated, accounting for 77 to 94% of particles, with most measuring less than 500 μm. Transparent and violet particles were most common, indicating sources from textiles, ropes, and aquaculture materials. Polymer composition was determined using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) with PE, PET, PS, EVA, Nylon, and PVA identified among the detected polymers. Polymer hazard index values were similar across groups (PHI 15.7-18.7, level II), whereas MPERI was higher in cultured than wild Crassostrea madrasensis (18.6 vs 16.1) but lower in cultured than wild Perna viridis (7.1 vs 17.7). Estimated human intake through mollusk consumption ranged from 0.28 to 0.47 items kg-1 day-1, corresponding to 6.2 × 103 to 1.0 × 104 items per person per year. The dominance of fine fibres and the presence of higher hazard polymers indicate potential chronic ecological stress and food safety concerns. These findings emphasize the need for improved aquaculture practices and targeted monitoring in coastal Bangladesh.
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Researchers tested six types of dried seafood from four coastal areas in Bangladesh and found microplastics, mostly fibers, in every sample. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common plastic types, and the estimated health risk from these plastics varied widely between regions, from low in Sundarban to very high in Kuakata.
Assessment of microplastics in coastal ecosystem of Bangladesh
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in water, beach sand, and fish along two major coastal areas of Bangladesh. Microplastics were found in every sample type, with fibers being the most common shape and polyethylene and polypropylene the dominant plastic types. Fish accumulated microplastics in their digestive tracts and body tissues, raising concerns about human exposure through seafood consumption in the region.
Assessment of microplastic contamination in shrimps from the Bay of Bengal and associated human health risk
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Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in seven shrimp species from the Bay of Bengal and found plastic particles in every species tested, with most particles smaller than 100 micrometers. The study calculated that women in Bangladesh face a higher health risk than men from eating contaminated shrimp, highlighting how seafood can be a direct pathway for microplastic exposure in human diets.
Microplastic pollution in edible marine fish from the northwestern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh: A comprehensive assessment of occurrence, characteristics and associated ecological risks
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Scientists found tiny plastic pieces in the stomachs of all fish species they tested from waters near Bangladesh, with each fish containing about 7 plastic particles on average. Since people eat these fish, this means microplastics are likely getting into our food chain, though more research is needed to understand what health risks this might pose. The study shows that plastic pollution has spread throughout marine ecosystems and is now a common part of seafood we consume.
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Researchers analyzed the gastrointestinal tracts of seven commercially important fish species from the Bay of Bengal, confirming widespread microplastic contamination dominated by fibers and fragments, with implications for seafood safety.
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