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Potential risks of accumulated microplastics in shells and soft tissues of cultured hard clams (Meretrix taiwanica) and associated metals
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Researchers found microplastics in both the shells and soft tissues of farmed hard clams in Taiwan, with small fibers being the most common type. The soft tissues showed higher potential ecological risk from microplastics than the shells, and the health risk from eating contaminated clams was greater for children than adults. While metal levels in the clams were within safe limits, the study highlights shellfish as another source of human microplastic exposure.
Microplastics (MPs) pose risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study investigated MPs in the shells and soft tissues of hard clams (Meretrix taiwanica) cultured in the inland waters of Taiwan. This study further developed two novel risk indices for assessing the potential ecological and health consequences of MPs. Moreover, the metal concentrations in the clam's soft tissues and the associated consumption health risks were investigated. Clamshells contained significant amounts of MPs with an average abundance of 16.6 ± 6.9 MPs/ind., which was higher than in the soft tissues (2.7 ± 1.7 MPs/ind.). The distribution and sizes of MPs in shells and soft tissues were similar, primarily small-sized (<2 mm, >99 %), blue (>65 %), and fibrous (>99 %). Dominant MP polymer types included rayon (83.5 %), polyethylene terephthalate (11.8 %), and polyacrylonitrile (3.6 %). The proposed MP potential ecological risk index indicates a higher potential ecological MP risk in soft tissues (302-423) than in shells (270-278) of the clams. The MP potential hazard risk index showed that the risk of exposure to MP through shellfish consumption decreased with age. The total hazard index (THI) value suggested negligible health hazards from metal exposure through shellfish consumption. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between MPs and metal concentrations in soft tissues, suggesting that metals bound to MPs contribute minimally to the total accumulated metals in clam's soft tissues. This study confirms the presence of MPs in clam shells and provides a novel tool to assess the potential ecological and health risks associated with MPs in shellfish.
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Researchers measured microplastic abundance and characteristics in wild oysters and farmed clams from Jiaozhou Bay, China, finding contamination at moderate levels. Fibers dominated the microplastic composition in both species. As commercially important shellfish consumed by people, these organisms represent a human dietary exposure pathway for microplastics.
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