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Microplastics in mussels from the Boka Kotorska Bay (Adriatic Sea) and impact on human health
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Researchers analyzed mussels from the Adriatic Sea coast of Montenegro and found microplastics in over half of the specimens, mostly in the form of blue fibers made from polyethylene and polypropylene. Based on typical mussel consumption in the region, they estimated that humans could ingest hundreds of microplastic particles annually through seafood. The study raises concerns about microplastic exposure through shellfish consumption along the Adriatic coast.
This study evaluated the microplastic abundance, shape, color, size and chemical composition of microplastic in mussels and estimated human exposure to microplastic through consumption of mussels collected from Boka Kotorska Bay (Adriatic coast of Montenegro). Microplastic was found in 53.3% of the studied mussels, with an average microplastic abundance of 2.53 ± 1.1 items/individual. Most of the ingested microplastic were fibers (63.7%), which were blue in color. FT-IR revealed that 98% of the examined particles were plastic, with seven polymers identified, of which polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the most abumdant polymers in mussels. Three of the polymers detected in mussels (polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene) are classified as hazardous by the European Chemical Agency with warning or danger signals. With one serving of mussels, consumers would ingest 22.7 microplastic particles, while the annual dietary intake of microplastic via consumption of mussels was estimated at 99 MP/year.
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Microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea with an emphasis on Montenegro: Distribution, sources, methods, biota, policy, and implications
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This review pulls together research on microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea, finding that the coastline of Montenegro—especially enclosed spots like Boka Kotorska Bay—has notably high levels of plastic particles in its sediment and mussels, mostly from common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene (used in bags, packaging, and bottles). This matters because mussels and seafood from these waters end up on our plates, and the researchers point out that inconsistent testing methods across studies make it hard to track how bad the problem really is or whether it's getting worse—something better monitoring could help fix.
Distribution, characteristics, and health risk of microplastics in marine mussels and selected fish species from the south-eastern part of the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea)
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Researchers examined mussels and three fish species from the Gulf of Trieste, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea, for microplastics. Plastic particles, mostly tiny black and blue fibers, were found in up to 43% of the samples. The study rated the overall risk to human health from these microplastics as medium.
Microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea with an emphasis on Montenegro: Distribution, sources, methods, biota, policy, and implications
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This review pulls together existing research showing that the Adriatic Sea, especially around Montenegro, has widespread microplastic pollution in its water, sediment, and marine life like mussels—largely from common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. This matters because these tiny plastic particles can move up the food chain into the seafood people eat, but the researchers note we still lack consistent, long-term monitoring data needed to fully understand the risks to seafood safety and coastal communities that depend on fishing and tourism.
First occurrence and composition assessment of microplastics in native mussels collected from coastal and offshore areas of the northern and central Adriatic Sea
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Microplastics were detected for the first time in native mussels from coastal and offshore areas of the northern and central Adriatic Sea, with chemical analysis confirming common plastic polymers and offshore populations also affected. The study establishes a baseline for microplastic contamination in an important Mediterranean commercial shellfish species.
Study of Microplastics and Inorganic Contaminants in Mussels from the Montenegrin Coast, Adriatic Sea
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Researchers analyzed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from three sites in Montenegro's Adriatic coast using optical and Raman microscopy, detecting microplastics in all samples along with elevated concentrations of trace metals, providing the first combined MPs and inorganic contaminant data for this coastline.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.