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Microplastic Contamination and Exposure in Gastropods: A Literature Review
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This literature review examined microplastic contamination in gastropod species across marine environments, assessing ingestion rates, particle types, and potential consequences for organism health and human seafood safety. The review found that gastropods consistently harbor microplastics, particularly fibers, and that bottom-dwelling species are among the most exposed due to sediment contact.
Background: Microplastic contamination in waterways continues to increase and has been detected in various gastropod species. Living on the seabed makes gastropods susceptible to accumulating microplastics, which can potentially impact the health of organisms and become a route of exposure for humans through the consumption of seafood. Objective: Reviewing the literature on microplastic contamination levels in gastropods, the shapes and types of polymers accumulated, and their implications for human health. Method: The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) followed the PRISMA guidelines, using articles from Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar (2014–2024) with criteria for empirical studies of microplastics in gastropods and related marine biota. Results: Gastropods in various locations were found to contain microplastics, predominantly in the form of fibers, fragments, and films, with PE and PP as the main polymers. The reported sizes varied, ranging from 100 nm–10 µm in Bellamya aeruginosa to 0.250–5 mm in Cerithidea obtusa. This exposure has the potential to affect the health of organisms and increase the risk of transfer of hazardous chemicals to humans. Conclusion: Gastropods serve as bioindicators of microplastic pollution and a route of exposure for humans. Controlling plastic pollution, monitoring marine products, educating the public, and harmonizing analytical methods are key to reducing ecological and health risks.
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This review summarizes existing studies on microplastics found in snails and other gastropods from oceans, rivers, and mangroves worldwide. Mangrove-dwelling gastropods had the highest microplastic counts, fibers and fragments were the most common types found, and larger species tended to carry more microplastic particles than smaller ones.
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This literature review synthesized findings from seven observational studies on microplastic contamination in seafood, specifically fish and bivalves from marine environments. A total of 421 microplastic particles were found in bivalves and 386 in fish across the reviewed studies, with fiber type dominating at over 86–90% of particles in both organism types. The digestive system was the most common site of microplastic accumulation, highlighting contamination risks for seafood consumers.
From the Seafloor to the Surface: a Global Review of Gastropods as Bioindicators of Marine Microplastics
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This global review examined evidence of microplastic ingestion by marine gastropods (sea snails) and evaluated their potential as bioindicator species for ocean microplastic pollution. Gastropods from the seafloor to the surface were found to contain microplastics, with bottom-dwelling species accumulating the highest amounts. The authors argue that gastropods are a practical and widespread tool for monitoring microplastic contamination across marine environments.
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