We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Prevalence and Distribution of Microplastics in Oysters from the Mississippi Sound
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists measured microplastic levels in oysters from ten locations across the Mississippi Sound along the Gulf Coast. They found microplastics in every sample, with concentrations ranging from about 5 to 31 particles per gram of oyster tissue, and plastic particles were present in all tissue types examined. Since oysters are filter feeders consumed by both wildlife and people, the findings point to microplastics as a concern for both ecosystem and food safety.
Abstract Oysters are a foundational part of their ecosystem and research has shown they are negatively impacted by exposure to microplastics (MPs). High MP levels have been documented in waters surrounding oyster reefs, and as filter feeders, oysters can ingest MPs along with their food. Here, we determined MPs (>30 µm) in oysters ( Crassostrea virginica ) from ten sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Further, a subset of these samples was dissected to quantify MPs within specific tissues. Average concentrations ranged from 30.7± 11.5 to 4.7 ± 0.25 putative MPs/g wet weight (ww) of whole tissue, with sites inside bays near population centers displaying higher levels of MPs than those exposed directly to the Gulf. Mantle, gill, and adductor muscle tissues had similar concentrations of putative MPs (15.9 ± 13.4, 11.5 ± 8.6 and 12.8 ± 6.7 MPs/g, respectively), whereas digestive system tissues had lower concentrations (6.8 ± 6.1 MPs/g of tissue). This suggests that most MPs in an oyster likely adhere to external tissues and are not actually ingested. Most of the MPs retained were in the smallest size fraction of 30‐90 µm (80%), followed by 125‐250 µm (9%), 90‐125 µm (8%), and >250 µm (3%). Analysis of samples from Biloxi Bay by µ‐FTIR to assess MP composition shows that polyurethane, polyethylene, and polyamide are common, but additional analyses are needed to fully characterize the MP profile across sites. Overall, this work provides much‐needed empirical data on the abundances and sizes of MPs in oysters from the Mississippi Sound, as well as the tissues where they reside.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in bivalves cultured for human consumption
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined two commercially farmed bivalve species, mussels and oysters, and found microplastics in the edible tissues of both. Mussels contained an average of 0.36 particles per gram of tissue, while oysters had 0.47 particles per gram. Since these shellfish are consumed whole without removing the gut, the study suggests they represent a direct pathway for human ingestion of microplastics.
Contamination by microplastics in oysters shows a widespread but patchy occurrence in a subtropical estuarine system
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in oysters across a subtropical estuarine system and found widespread but highly variable levels of pollution. Higher contamination generally correlated with areas of greater human activity, though unexpectedly high levels were also found in remote marine protected areas. The study found that 94 percent of oyster samples contained microplastics, suggesting these bivalves could serve as indicators of environmental contamination.
MICROPLASTICS FOUND IN THE EASTERN OYSTER (Crassostrea virginica) AND THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT
AI summary Read the abstract
Eastern oysters and surrounding water and sediment samples were collected from a US estuary and analyzed for microplastic content. Microplastics were found in both oysters and environmental matrices, though the oysters did not accumulate particles proportionally to environmental concentrations, suggesting selective ingestion. The study contributes to understanding how commercially important bivalves interact with microplastics in their natural habitat and what this means for seafood safety.
Microplastic contamination in filter-feeding oyster Saccostrea cuccullata: Novel insights in a marine ecosystem
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the filter-feeding oyster Saccostrea cuccullata collected from five coastal sites. They found microplastics present in all oyster specimens, with fibers and fragments being the most common types detected. The study highlights how filter-feeding shellfish can accumulate microplastics from surrounding waters, raising concerns about contamination in marine food chains.
Microplastic Content in Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from South Carolina, USA
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic content in oysters, water, and sediments from four estuaries in South Carolina, USA, quantifying contamination levels across these matrices in the commercially important Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.