We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Beneath the surface: Exploring microplastic intricacies in Anadara granosa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined blood cockles from major cultivation areas across Peninsular Malaysia and found microplastics in every sample tested. The most common particles were small fragments and fibers, with the highest contamination on the west coast, raising concerns about human exposure since Malaysia is the world's largest exporter of this popular shellfish.
Anadara granosa or blood cockles have been reported to be a candidate for biomonitoring agents due to their sedimentary nature and their nutrient uptake mechanisms. Yet, this bivalve is still regarded as a delicacy in Asian cuisine. Malaysia is the largest exporter of this sea product that contaminated cockles may also be experienced by the importing countries. However, the bioaccumulation of microplastics in A. granosa cultivated in Malaysia has not been extensively studied. It is crucial to comprehend the risk posed to humans by consuming A. granosa in their diet. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the levels of microplastic accumulation in A. granosa from major exporters in Peninsular Malaysia, to evaluate the associated risk of microplastics on the species, and to estimate daily human consumption of microplastics through the consumption of A. granosa. The abundance of microplastics was quantified through the use of a stereo microscope, and the polymer type was determined using FTIR and micro-FTIR. Findings from this investigation revealed that all samples of A. granosa were contaminated with microplastics, with the highest levels of accumulation found in bivalves collected from the west coast (0.26 ± 0.15 particles/g) of Peninsular Malaysia. Fragment and fiber microplastics, measuring between 0.05 and 0.1 mm in size, were found to be the most prevalent in A. granosa, with blue being the dominant identified colour and rayon being the most common polymer type. Microplastic risk assessment due to the presence of polyacrylate, polycarbonate (PC), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resulted in a high risk of contamination for A. granosa. It was further determined that the current estimated dietary intake (EDI) suggests that consumers of A. granosa uptake approximately 21.8-93.5 particles/person/year of microplastics. This study highlights that A. granosa accumulates microplastics, which could potentially result in bioaccumulation and biomagnification in humans through consumption.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic ingestion of blood cockles (Tegillarca granosa) in Kuala Juru, Pulau Pinang
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic ingestion in blood cockles (Tegillarca granosa) collected from Kuala Juru, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, identifying the types and abundances of microplastics present in these commercially harvested bivalves. The study documented microplastic contamination in this economically important shellfish species, raising concerns about human dietary exposure through seafood consumption.
Variasi Kontaminasi Mikroplastik pada Kerang Dara (Anadara granosa) berdasarkan Ukuran Individu di Pasar Induk Jakabaring, Palembang
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that blood cockles (a common shellfish sold at markets in Indonesia) contain tiny plastic particles regardless of their size — even small cockles had nearly as much microplastic contamination as large ones. This matters because it suggests you can't avoid microplastic exposure by simply choosing smaller shellfish; the real issue is pollution levels in the water where they're farmed, meaning cleaning up ocean and river plastic pollution is key to reducing what ends up on our plates.
Keberadaan mikroplastik pada kerang darah (Anadara granosa) dari TPI Tambak Lorok, Semarang
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers in Semarang, Indonesia, found microplastics in blood cockles (Anadara granosa) sold at a local fish market, with fibers and fragments being the most common types identified under microscopy. The study also tested whether washing the shellfish before analysis affected results, finding contamination was present regardless. Because blood cockles are a widely consumed seafood in the region and are filter feeders that concentrate particles from the water column, this finding signals a direct route for microplastic ingestion by local populations.
Isolation and identification of microplastic on the cockleshell of blood clam (Anadara Granosa Linn)
AI summary Read the abstract
This study aimed to identify microplastics on the cockleshell surfaces of blood clams (Anadara granosa) sampled from five beaches, using NaCl separation and microscopy to characterize particle abundance and morphology on commercially harvested shellfish.
IDENTIFIKASI KEBERADAAN DAN JENIS MIKROPLASTIK PADA KERANG DARAH (Anadara granosa) DI PERAIRAN TANJUNG TIRAM, TELUK AMBON
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers identified microplastics in blood cockles (Anadara granosa) from Tanjung Tiram in Ambon Bay, Indonesia, finding 360 fiber particles and 61 fragment particles in examined specimens. The presence of microplastics in this commercially consumed shellfish raises concerns about chemical transfer to both marine biota and human consumers.
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.