We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A Comprehensive Investigation of Microplastic Contamination and Polymer Toxicity in Farmed Shrimps; L. vannamei and P. monodon
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found high microplastic contamination in two commercially farmed shrimp species from Sri Lanka, with concentrations averaging nearly 5 particles per gram in whiteleg shrimp, and showed via zebrafish embryo testing that polyethylene-nylon combinations caused significant harm to hatching, survival, and heart function.
Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, seafood safety, and human health. This study investigates the accumulation of microplastics in two commercially important shrimp species, Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei) and Penaeus monodon (P. monodon), sourced from cluster farming sites in Puttalam, Sri Lanka. Shrimp exoskeletons and edible soft tissues underwent rigorous microplastic analysis, including density separation, alkali digestion, stereo microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed high microplastic contamination, with L. vannamei containing an average of 4.99 ± 1.81 MP particles/g and P. monodon containing 1.87 ± 0.55 MP particles/g. Microplastic sizes varied, with L. vannamei predominantly contaminated with 100–250 µm particles and P. monodon with 500 µm—1000 µm particles. Fiber morphotypes were prevalent in L. vannamei, while blue-colored microplastics were dominant in P. monodon. These comprised polystyrene (PS), nylon 6,6, and polyethylene (PE) which were identified by Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, the study investigated the acute toxicity effects of microplastic polymer combinations using a zebrafish embryo model (FET236 assay). Zebrafish embryos exposed to polyethylene-nylon 6,6 combinations exhibited significant adverse effects on hatching, survival, and heart function at lower concentrations, while polyethylene terephthalate-polystyrene combinations showed no considerable effects. These findings underscore the urgent need for monitoring and managing microplastic contamination in shrimp farming areas. Future research should focus on elucidating the ecological impacts and human health risks associated with microplastic exposure.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of microplastic hazards in Penaeus vannamei shrimp in a typical estuary of China: polymer composition, risk assessment, and health implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in whiteleg shrimp from the Jiulong River estuary in China, finding five polymer types at 0.46 particles/g, with PVC comprising only 5.52% by count but contributing 98.11% of the total hazard risk index due to its toxic chemical additives. The disproportionate hazard posed by PVC despite its low abundance in farmed shrimp has direct food-safety implications, as commercially important shellfish in estuarine aquaculture systems are accumulating high-risk plastics consumed by people globally.
Microplastics in Acetes shrimps from the southeastern coast of Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in two Acetes shrimp species from Bangladesh's southeastern coast, finding an average of 0.078–0.102 particles per shrimp, predominantly polyethylene and polypropylene fibers identified via ATR-FTIR. The findings demonstrate that even small zooplankton-level seafood consumed by millions carries microplastics, highlighting the dietary exposure pathway through marine food webs.
Characteristics and potential human health risks of microplastics for commercial shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei from South Yellow Sea Mudflat
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists studying shrimp from a Chinese coastal mudflat found tiny plastic bits (mostly microscopic fibers from packaging-type plastics) throughout the shrimp's bodies, with even more found in shrimp caught near river mouths where pollution runs off. The good news: most of these plastic particles were concentrated in the gut, so removing and not eating the digestive tract (something many people already do when peeling shrimp) significantly cuts down your exposure to microplastics.
Detection of Microplastics in Commercially Important Shrimp via Chemical Digestion and Optical Microscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics in commercially important shrimp species using chemical digestion and optical microscopy, quantifying particle characteristics and raising food-safety concerns about human exposure through seafood consumption.
Comparing microplastic contamination in vannamei shrimp aquaculture: the impact of concrete and HDPE pond materials in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of shrimp aquaculture ponds in East Java, Indonesia found significantly higher microplastic concentrations in HDPE ponds (15,474 particles/m³ in water; 6.75 particles/g in tissue) compared to concrete ponds, with a moderate positive correlation between water and tissue levels. The pond material itself contributes to microplastic contamination in farmed shrimp, raising food safety concerns for a globally consumed seafood product.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.