The spatial distribution and physico-chemical characteristic of microplastics in the sediment and cockle (Anadara granosa) from the coastal waters of East Java, Indonesia, and the health hazards associated with cockle consumption
Marine Pollution Bulletin2023
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in coastal sediments and cockles along the East Java coast of Indonesia and assessed the potential health risks from consuming the shellfish. They found microplastics, predominantly fibers and fragments, in all sediment and cockle tissue samples, with consumers potentially ingesting tens of thousands of microplastic particles per year. The findings raise concerns about dietary microplastic exposure for communities that regularly eat shellfish from these waters.
Study Type
Environmental
This study evaluated microplastic (MP) abundances and physico-chemical characteristics in sediments and Anadara granosa along the East Java coast and their health implications. Fibers (74 %) dominated sediment MPs at south coast, while fragments (49-61 %) dominated north coast. Fiber (43-52 %) is the predominant MP in cockle tissues in all locations. Most MP in sediments (31-47 %) and cockle tissues (41-49 %) is black. The majority of microplastics (100-1500 μm) are found in sediment (73-90 %), and cockles (77-79 %). Very weak correlations found between the amount of MP and the length of the cockle shell. However, Spearman correlation shows that as the amount of MP in sediment increases, so does the amount of MP in cockle tissue. Each year, individuals of varying ages consume an average of 20,800 to 156,000 MP items. Cockles contain plasticizer components and microplastic polymers which are classified from II to V regarding of hazard levels, with V being the most hazardous.