We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic contamination in marine mussels from the Atlantic coast of North Portugal and human risk of microplastic intake through mussel consumption
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed wild mussels from Portugal's Atlantic coast and found microplastics in all samples, with an average of about 1.6 particles per gram of mussel tissue. Based on typical Portuguese seafood consumption patterns, the estimated annual human intake of microplastics from mussels alone was calculated, highlighting that regular shellfish consumers face meaningful microplastic exposure through their diet.
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global concern due to its potential impacts on the environment, ecosystem services and human health. The goals of the present study were to document the MP contamination in wild specimens of Mytilus galloprovincialis sampled along the Atlantic coast of the North region of Portugal continental (NW Portuguese coast), and to estimate the human risk of MP intake (HRI) through the consumption of local mussels as seafood. Mussels were collected at four sampling sites along the NW Portuguese coast (40 mussels per site), and the whole soft body of each mussel was analysed for MP content. HRI estimates were based on the mean of MP items per wet weight of mussel analysed tissue (MP/g) and consumption habits. A total of 132 MP items were recovered from mussels. MP had diverse sizes (98-2690 μm) and colours. The most common shapes were fibres (39%) and pellets (36%). Five polymers were identified in the MP: polyethylene (50%), polystyrene (15%), poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) (14%), polyamide (12%) and polypropylene (9%). From the 160 analysed mussels, 55% had MP. The mean and standard error of the mean of mussel contamination ranged from 0.206 ± 0.067 and 0.709 ± 0.095 MP/g. Compared to estimates based on MP contamination in mussels from other areas and varied consumption habits, the HRI through the consumption of mussels from the NW Portuguese coast is relatively low.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in marine mussels, biological effects and human risk of intake: A case study in a multi-stressor environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked microplastic contamination in mussels from the Douro estuary in Portugal across seasons and estimated that people who eat mussels from this area consume about 2,400 to 2,650 microplastic particles per year. While the contamination levels were relatively low compared to other studies, the mussels still showed signs of biological stress. This study provides one of the first direct estimates of how many microplastics people ingest through shellfish consumption.
Levels of microplastics and their characteristics in molluscs from North-West Mediterranean Sea: Human intake
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in commercially consumed mollusks along the Catalan coast of the Mediterranean Sea, finding microplastics in all species tested. Large oysters and mussels had the highest concentrations at around 19 to 23 particles per individual. Based on typical consumption patterns, the study estimated that the local adult population ingests an average of over 8,000 microplastic particles per year through mollusk consumption alone.
Microplastic pollution in marine bivalves, surface water and sediments from an aquaculture in Portugal and possible intake by humans
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in oysters, clams, surface water, and sediments at a Portuguese shellfish farm and estimated the resulting daily human intake from consuming these organisms. Diploid oysters and clams had higher microplastic levels than triploid oysters, and seasonal differences in accumulation were observed. The study provides practical estimates of how much microplastic people may consume through shellfish, contributing to ongoing efforts to quantify dietary exposure.
Microplastics in mussels sampled from coastal waters and supermarkets in the United Kingdom
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in mussels from U.K. coastal waters and supermarkets and found anthropogenic debris in every sample tested. Wild mussels contained up to 2.9 debris items per gram of tissue, while supermarket mussels showed lower but still consistent contamination levels. The study confirms that microplastics are prevalent in commercially available shellfish, representing a direct pathway for human dietary exposure.
Microplastics in Marine and Estuarine Species From the Coast of Portugal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in five marine and estuarine species collected from the coast of Portugal, including mussels, clams, and polychaetes. They found microplastics in all species examined, with fibers being the most common type, and noted differences in contamination levels between sampling sites. The study contributes baseline data on microplastic pollution in commercially relevant Portuguese seafood species.
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.