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Microplastics and arsenic speciation in edible bivalves from the coast of China: Distribution, bioavailability, and human health risk
Summary
This study examined both microplastic and arsenic contamination in oysters and mussels from the Chinese coastline, finding that the two pollutants coexist and interact. Oysters contained about 58 microplastic particles per gram, and the size of microplastics influenced which forms of arsenic were present. The findings highlight food safety concerns, since people who eat shellfish may be exposed to both microplastics and arsenic simultaneously.
Bivalves, such as oysters and mussels, are exposed to environmental pollutants, like microplastics (MPs) and arsenic (As). This study investigated co-existence and interaction of MPs and As (total As and As species) in two bivalve species from the Chinese coastline. Smaller MPs (20-100 μm) averaged 30.98 items/g, while larger MPs (100-500 μm) averaged 2.98 items/g. Oysters contained more MPs (57.97 items/g) in comparison to mussels (11.10 items/g). In Contrast, mussels had a higher As concentrations (8.36-23.65 mg/kg) than oysters (4.97-11.02 mg/kg). The size and composition of MPs influenced As uptake and speciation in bivalves, with inorganic arsenic (iAs) and methylated arsenic (MMA and DMA) correlating with larger-sized MPs. Polyethylene (PE) may interact with the formation of arsenobetaine (AsB) in oyster. This study provides valuable insights into the interaction of MPs and As in marine ecosystems and highlights their implications for food safety.