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First assessment of microplastic concentrations in oysters, water and sediment in Laucala Bay, Fiji Islands
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Researchers conducted the first microplastic survey of oysters, water, and sediment in Fiji's Laucala Bay, finding microplastics in wild oysters and the surrounding water — with fibers, nylon, and latex among the most common types — providing baseline data for food safety and future Pacific aquaculture research.
This study was the first to identify and quantify microplastics contamination in edible oysters and their environment in the Fiji Islands and was conducted at the only mangrove oyster farm located at Vutia, Laucala Bay. Results showed that farmed oysters contained no microplastics, while wild oysters averaged 1.78 ± 1.04 microplastics/100 g wet weight. No microplastics were detected in sediments, although average microplastics in the water was 0.803 ± 0.2 microplastics/L. The predominant microplastics type was fibers (73%), while the most common size was in the class range of 0.5–< 1.6 mm. The most common colors of microplastics were black (42%) and white (26%), while nylon (30%) and latex (25%) were the most common polymer types. The current results are expected to assist in the development of coastal aquaculture, provide food safety standards, and baseline data for future Pacific mariculture research, particularly in Fiji.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.