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The pollution characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in mollusks collected from the Bohai Sea
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Scientists analyzed microplastic contamination in 21 species of shellfish from the Bohai Sea in China and found that about 92% of individual animals contained microplastics, mostly fibers. They estimated that people who eat these shellfish could consume roughly 3,400 microplastic particles per year. The study highlights that seafood from coastal waters is a meaningful source of microplastic exposure for humans, especially when organs like the digestive gland are eaten.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in the marine environment has become a global problem. In this study, a number of 21 mollusk species (n = 2006) with different feeding habits were collected from 11 sites along the Bohai Sea for MPs uptake analysis. The MPs in mollusk samples were isolated and identified by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FTIR), and an assessment of the health risks of MPs ingested by mollusk consumption is also conducted. Approximately 91.9 % of the individuals among all the collected species inhaled MPs, and there was an average abundance of 3.30 ± 2.04 items·individual or 1.04 ± 0.74 items·g of wet weight. The shape of MPs was mainly fiber, and a total number of 8 polymers were detected, of which rayon had the highest detection rate (58.3 %). The highest abundance, uptake rate and polymer composition of MPs was observed in creeping types, suggesting that they might ingest these MPs from their food. The gastropod Siphonalia subdilatata contains the highest levels of MPs, which may increase the risk of human exposure if consumed whole without removing the digestive gland. The polymer risk level of MPs in these mollusks was Level III (H = 299), presenting harmful MPs such as polyvinyl chloride. In terms of human exposure risk, the average risk of human exposure to MPs through consumption of Bohai mollusks is estimated to be 3399 items·(capita·year) (424-9349 items·(capita·year)). Overall, this study provides a basis for the ecological and health Risk assessment of MPs in mollusks collected from the coastline of China.
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Scientists surveyed microplastic contamination in farmed oysters and seawater at 18 sites along China's coastline, finding 34 different types of microplastics. Oysters from the Bohai Sea had the highest contamination levels and posed the greatest estimated daily intake risk for human consumers. The study highlights that people eating farmed oysters are regularly consuming microplastics, with the amount varying significantly by region.
Relationship between the microplastics in typical marine organisms and the environment: A case study in Bohai Bay, China
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Scientists studying seawater and marine animals in China's Bohai Bay found that fish and mussels absorb tiny plastic particles that closely match what's floating in the surrounding water—and these particles build up especially in the gut. Since mussels and fish are commonly eaten by people, this suggests that the plastic pollution in the ocean may end up on our plates in similar amounts and forms, making it worth paying attention to how we filter or clean seafood before eating it.
Microplastic uptake in commercial fishes from the Bohai Sea, China
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in 584 commercial fish across 29 species from the Bohai Sea in China and found that approximately 85% had ingested microplastics. The particles were mostly fibers, primarily made of cellophane, PET, and polypropylene, with bottom-feeding fish showing the highest contamination. The findings suggest that microplastic ingestion by commercial fish species represents a potential pathway for human exposure, particularly through small fish consumed whole.
The occurrence and exposure of microplastics in bivalves from Qingdao, China
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in bivalves such as clams and mussels from the coast of Qingdao, China, and assessed human dietary exposure from eating them. They found an average of about one microplastic particle per individual shellfish, with fibers and rayon being the most common types. The study suggests that regular bivalve consumption in the region contributes to ongoing human microplastic exposure.
Microplastic contamination in seafood from Dongshan Bay in southeastern China and its health risk implication for human consumption
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in eight popular seafood species from Dongshan Bay in southeastern China and assessed potential human health risks. The study characterized the abundance, size, shape, and polymer type of microplastics found in the seafood samples. The findings suggest that consuming contaminated seafood represents a meaningful exposure pathway for microplastic ingestion, though the specific health implications require further study.
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