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Micro and Nanoplastics size distribution in mussel tissues: first evidence, identification, and quantification in the nanogram range
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Italian researchers used a highly sensitive mass spectrometry technique to detect and quantify both microplastics and nanoplastics in farmed mussels, finding plastic particles in every sample tested. Nanoplastics in the 20–200 nm range were present in substantial quantities, and the authors estimate that European seafood consumers could ingest over 2 milligrams of nanoplastics per year through mussel consumption alone. This is one of the first studies to directly quantify nanoplastics in a commonly eaten seafood, raising significant concerns about dietary exposure.
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) (MNPs) are hazardous to ecosystems, wildlife, and through seafood, also for human health. Due to biological, chemical, and physical characteristics, NPs can slip through cell membranes, being even more toxicologically important than MPs. Thermal Desorption - Proton Transfer Reaction - Mass Spectrometry (TD-PTR-MS) was used to analyse mussels from the Apulian region, Italy. All the analysed organisms have NPs (values ranging from 10 ng MNPs/ DW mg to 187 ng MNPs / DW mg). The highest mass of plastics was detected in the size groups > 2,2 µm (218 ng MNPs / DW mg) and 20–200 nm (187 ng MNPs / DW mg). An upscaling we performed estimated that people in Europe could ingest more than 2 mg of NPs per year through seafood consumption. The detected presence of nanoplastics in farmed mussels here presented contributes to establishing a baseline for monitoring these pollutants.
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Microplastics and nanoplastics size distribution in farmed mussel tissues
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Researchers analyzed farmed mussels from Italy and detected microplastics and nanoplastics in every single sample, with nanoplastics (particles smaller than 1 micrometer) present in concerning quantities. They estimated that Europeans eating seafood regularly could ingest more than 2 milligrams of nanoplastics per year — establishing an important baseline for tracking this form of pollution in our food supply.
Microplastic contamination in marine mussels from the Atlantic coast of North Portugal and human risk of microplastic intake through mussel consumption
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Researchers analyzed wild mussels from Portugal's Atlantic coast and found microplastics in all samples, with an average of about 1.6 particles per gram of mussel tissue. Based on typical Portuguese seafood consumption patterns, the estimated annual human intake of microplastics from mussels alone was calculated, highlighting that regular shellfish consumers face meaningful microplastic exposure through their diet.
Occurrence and Characterization of Microplastics in Commercial Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from Apulia Region (Italy)
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Scientists analyzed commercially sold mussels from markets in southern Italy and found microplastics in every sample tested. On average, each mussel contained about 1.6 plastic particles, with fibers being the most common type, followed by fragments. Since mussels are eaten whole by consumers, the findings highlight a direct pathway for human exposure to microplastics through seafood.
Levels of microplastics and their characteristics in molluscs from North-West Mediterranean Sea: Human intake
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination in commercially consumed mollusks along the Catalan coast of the Mediterranean Sea, finding microplastics in all species tested. Large oysters and mussels had the highest concentrations at around 19 to 23 particles per individual. Based on typical consumption patterns, the study estimated that the local adult population ingests an average of over 8,000 microplastic particles per year through mollusk consumption alone.
A systematic review on the prevalence and concentration of MPs in mussels
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This systematic review examines how common microplastics are in mussels, a popular seafood. Since mussels filter large volumes of water, they tend to accumulate microplastics, which means people who eat them may be exposed to these particles through their diet.
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