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Microplastics and linear alkylbenzene levels in oysters Crassostrea gigas driven by sewage contamination at an important aquaculture area of Brazil
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Researchers found microplastic fibers in oysters from all six farming areas surveyed in southern Brazil, with contamination levels of sewage markers and microplastics correlating with proximity to urban sewage discharge, highlighting risks to both aquaculture quality and food safety.
The levels of linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) and the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the oysters Crassostrea gigas were evaluated in six farming areas in southern Brazil. The results revealed higher concentrations of LABs in oyster tissue from the Serraria (1977 ± 497.7 ng g) and Imaruim (1038 ± 409.9 ng g) sites. Plastic microfibers were found in oysters from all locations with values from 0.33 to 0.75 MPs per oyster (0.27-0.64 MPs per gram) showing the ubiquitous presence of this contaminant in the marine environment, which could be considered a threat to farming organisms. In addition, elements such as Ti, Al, Ba, V, Rb, Cr, and Cu were found in the chemical composition of the microfibers, suggesting MPs as vectors of inorganic compounds. A positive correlation between LABs and thermotolerant coliforms suggests that sewage discharges are the main source of contamination in these oysters cultured for human consumption. The present study highlights the need for efficient wastewater treatment plants and the implementation of depuration techniques in oysters from farming areas.
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination in oysters, clams, and mussels from a heavily urbanized estuary in Brazil, finding that industrial and port activities were stronger predictors of contamination than population density. Clams accumulated the most microplastics, and the study highlights how shellfish from polluted coastal areas can serve as indicators of the microplastic levels humans may be exposed to through seafood.
Microplastics in a large Brazilian bay: Multispecies bivalve approach reveals an association with population density.
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Researchers tested clams, oysters, and mussels from Todos os Santos Bay in Brazil for microplastics, finding contamination at all 16 sites, mostly fibers and transparent particles. Areas with higher human population density showed more microplastics in oysters, suggesting a link between crowded coastal areas and contamination levels.
First register of microplastic contamination in oysters (Crassostrea gasar) farmed in Amazonian estuaries
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This is the first study to document microplastic contamination in farmed oysters from the Amazon region of Brazil, finding that 58% of the oysters contained microplastics, mainly nylon fibers. The particles accumulated most in the oysters' digestive glands and reproductive organs. Since oyster farming is an important food source and livelihood in the Amazon, the findings highlight a need for better monitoring and depuration systems to reduce human exposure to microplastics through shellfish.
Abundance of microplastics in oysters Crassostrea gigas and water from a highly anthropized estuary.
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in surface water and whole tissue of Crassostrea gigas oysters at two sites in the Bahia Blanca estuary, a highly anthropized system in Argentina with major port, petrochemical, and urban wastewater inputs. MPs ranged from 6 to 50 items/L in water and 0 to 2 items/g wet weight in oyster tissue, with transparent and blue fibers predominating in both matrices.
Oysters and mussels as equivalent sentinels of microplastics and natural particles in coastal environments
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Researchers compared how oysters and mussels accumulate microplastics in a polluted Brazilian estuary and found both species performed equally well as biological monitors of contamination. Some of the highest microplastic levels ever recorded in shellfish were found at the most polluted sites. Since oysters and mussels are widely consumed as seafood, these contamination levels raise direct concerns about human microplastic exposure through shellfish consumption.
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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.