We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evaluation of the microplastics in bivalves and water column at Pantai Teluk Likas, North Borneo, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in all three species of shellfish and in the surrounding water at a popular beach in Sabah, Malaysia. One clam species contained over 113 microplastic particles per gram, primarily fibers made of common plastics like nylon and polypropylene. Since these shellfish are eaten by local communities, the contamination raises concerns about human exposure to microplastics through seafood consumption.
Microplastics (MPs) are a pervasive pollutant in the marine environment. Pantai Teluk Likas in Sabah, Malaysia is one of the most visited beaches where tourism, recreational, and fisheries activities are high in this area. Hence, the area suffers from severe pollution, particularly from plastics. This study aims to quantify the microplastic composition in terms of color, shapes, and polymer types in marine bivalves (Anadara granosa, Glauconome virens, and Meretrix lyrata) and water column samples from Pantai Teluk Likas. All samples were digested using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and incubated in the oven for at least 48 h. Serial filtration was done for each sample before they were observed under the dissecting microscope. The microplastics were identified and counted based on their physical attributes which were colors and shapes. The functional group of the polymers was determined using FTIR spectroscopy. Microplastics were found present in all samples collected. G. virens had the highest abundance of microplastics at 113.6 ± 6.5 particles/g followed by M. lyrata at 78.4 ± 3.7 particles/g. On the contrary, A. granosa had the least microplastics with an abundance of 24.4 ± 0.6 particles/g. Meanwhile, 110.0 ± 36.2 particles/L of microplastics were found in water column samples from Pantai Teluk Likas. Based on the analysis, fibers were the most common shape in bivalves, while fibers and films were common in the water column. In terms of colors, black, blue, and red were a few of the most abundant colors observed in both samples. The most common polymer detected in all bivalve species and water column samples is polycarbonate (PC), followed by polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Future study that focuses on the correlation between microplastic abundance in the marine biota and the water column is recommended to better understand microplastic availability and exposure.
More Papers Like This
Determination of microplastics in commercial bivalves and estimation of exposure among population in Pasir Penambang, Kuala Selangor
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic abundance and characteristics in commercial bivalves from Pasir Penambang, Malaysia, and estimated human dietary exposure, finding that regular consumption of locally sold shellfish poses a notable microplastic ingestion risk.
Assessing Microplastic Contamination in Shellfish: Insights from Pantai Remis Kuala Selangor, Strait of Malacca, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Three commercially harvested shellfish species from Pantai Remis, Malaysia contained microplastics with varying density, color, size, and polymer composition by species, raising food safety concerns about MP exposure through seafood consumption.
Microplastic contamination in mollusc polymesoda
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in Polymesoda clams — a common seafood — at two sites in Malaysia, detecting up to 0.83 plastic particles per individual and identifying 9 different polymer types, raising concerns about human dietary exposure through shellfish consumption.
Abundance, Distribution and Characteristics of Microplastics in Coastal Sediments of Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined beach sediment at ten sites along Tok Bali Beach in Malaysia and found 260 microplastic particles, mostly fibers and films made of nylon. The highest amounts were near an industrial and fishing area, and the particles showed signs of weathering like cracks and rough surfaces, suggesting sources such as fishing gear and textiles.
Microplastic Abundance in Edible Crabs and Gastropods on the Blanakan Coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled water, sediment, crabs, and gastropods along the Blanakan coast of Indonesia and detected microplastics in all sample types, with fragments, films, fibers, and pellets all present — suggesting widespread contamination that poses a food safety concern for local seafood consumed by humans.
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.