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Comprehensive characterization and human health risk assessment of microplastics in ten shellfish species from the South Yellow Sea Mudflat: Implications for safe seafood consumption
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Researchers found microplastics, mostly small fibers made of polyethylene, in all ten shellfish species tested from the South Yellow Sea mudflat in China. Mercenaria mercenaria clams showed the highest microplastic levels and risk score, and estimates suggested elderly people and children could have greater exposure through shellfish consumption.
Microplastics (MP) intake through shellfish consumption could result in potential health risks to humans. This study comprehensively investigated MP characteristics and potential risks in shellfish from South Yellow Sea mudflat. MP were detected in all ten species of shellfish, wherein the maximum MP abundance was detected in Perna viridis (11.73 items/individual) and Mercenaria mercenaria (3.5 items/g). The main characteristics of MP were fibrous morphology, small size (0.001–0.25 mm), transparent appearance, and polyethylene (PE) composition. Further, annual dietary intake (ADI), and estimated dietary intake (EDI) indicated MP intake by shellfish consumption could decrease when digestive tissues were removed. The elderly and children are at greater MP risk based on ADI and EDI values across different gender and age groups. The maximum MP risk was from Mercenaria mercenaria (1907.49, hazard level Ⅳ) through polymer risk index (PRI) evaluation. These results indicate that particular attention should be given to the elderly and children, who may be more vulnerable to MP, and to Mercenaria mercenaria , which may represent an important source of MP exposure. This study provides an improved understanding of the characteristics and potential human health risks of MPs in shellfish, as well as useful information for selecting shellfish species for consumption.
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