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Prevalence of microplastics in Peruvian mangrove sediments and edible mangrove species
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Scientists found microplastics in sediment and two popular seafood species (black ark clams and mangrove crabs) from mangrove ecosystems in Peru. Both species contained microplastics, with crabs having slightly more than clams, and fibers were the most common type found. Since these are commonly eaten foods, the findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure through seafood in South American coastal communities.
Mangrove ecosystems have been hypothesised as a potential sink of microplastic debris, which could pose a threat to mangrove biota and ecological function. In this field-study we establish the prevalence of microplastics in sediments and commercially-exploited Anadara tuberculosa (black ark) and Ucides occidentalis (mangrove crab) from five different zones in the mangrove ecosystem of Tumbes, Peru. Microplastic were evident in all samples, with an average of 726 ± 396 microplastics/kg for the sediment, although no differences between the different zones of the mangrove ecosystem were observed. Microplastic concentrations were 1.6± 1.1 items/g for the black ark and 1.9 ± 0.9 microplastics/g for the mangrove crab, with a difference in the microplastic abundance between species (p < 0.05), and between the gills and stomachs of the crab (p < 0.01). Human intake of microplastics from these species, for the population in Tumbes, is estimated at 431 items per capita per year. The outcomes of this work highlight that the mangrove ecosystem is widely contaminated with microplastics, presenting a concern for the marine food web and food security.
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Microplastic pollution in the surface waters, sediments, and wild crabs of mangrove ecosystems of East Java, Indonesia
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination across ten mangrove ecosystems in East Java, Indonesia, finding microplastics in surface water, sediment, and wild crabs — with each crab containing an average of 48 plastic particles in its gills and digestive tract, more than 60% of which were fibers. The strong correlation between sediment contamination and microplastics found inside the crabs points to a pathway through which plastics enter the marine food web.
Microplastic contamination in the mangroves of Piraquê-Açu and Piraquê-Mirim rivers, Aracruz (Brazil): An analysis in sediment, water, and biota
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Researchers found widespread microplastic contamination in a Brazilian mangrove ecosystem, detecting over 7,800 particles across water, sediment, and two species of shellfish consumed by local communities. Oysters contained higher microplastic levels than mussels, and sediments served as the main collection point for the particles. Since these shellfish are an important food source, the contamination represents a direct pathway for human microplastic ingestion.
Presence of microplastics in three bivalve species on the coastal fringe of Bajo Alto, El Guabo, Ecuador
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Researchers tested three types of edible shellfish (clams and mussels) from coastal areas near Bajo Alto, Ecuador, finding 1,413 microplastic particles, mostly thread-like fibers, across 91 animals. Anadara tuberculosa clams had the highest counts, and the most contaminated collection sites were located near urban areas.
Microplastics in mangroves with special reference to Asia: Occurrence, distribution, bioaccumulation and remediation options
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This review examines microplastic contamination in Asian mangrove ecosystems, finding higher pollution levels near fishing, tourism, and industrial areas. Organisms throughout the mangrove food web, from shellfish to fish, accumulate microplastics based on their feeding habits and habitat. While mangrove plants can trap some microplastics in their roots, the widespread contamination of these coastal ecosystems raises concerns about the safety of seafood harvested from mangrove areas for human consumption.
Occurrenceand characteristics of microplastics in benthic species from mangrove wetlands of Hainan, South China
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Researchers found microplastics in 10 species of benthic organisms — including crabs, bivalves, and snails — across seven mangrove areas in Hainan, China, confirming that mangrove ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them are significantly contaminated by microplastic pollution.
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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.