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Intra-annual variation in microplastics in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) inhabiting an urbanized bay of South Korea
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A year-long monthly study of mussels in an urbanized South Korean bay found that microplastic levels — averaging about 1.2 particles per individual — remained relatively stable throughout the year with no strong seasonal signal. The majority of particles were small fragments under 200 micrometers and dense polymers including polypropylene and polyethylene, suggesting that standard short-window sampling studies may be adequate for monitoring mussel contamination in this type of setting.
This study investigated the presence of microplastics (MPs) in mussels from an urbanized bay in Korea, focusing on intra-annual variation. The average MP concentration was 0.36 ± 0.14 n/g w.w. (1.24 ± 0.56 n/individual). MPs were detected throughout the year with minor monthly variation and no significant monthly changes. Although there was no correlation between MP concentration in mussel and seawater, a positive relationship was observed when normalizing MPs to mussel's condition index (except for July). Polypropylene, polyethylene and acrylate polymer were dominant MPs, with high-density polymers comprising 59 % of the total. Most MPs were fragments and particles <200 μm. This study indicates that strict time restrictions for mussel sampling may not be necessary to assess MP levels in this bay. Additionally, considering MPs in seawater, biological conditions of mussel may be essential for understanding variations in MP levels in mussels. Including small MPs (<200 μm) and high-density polymers in MP assessment is recommended.
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