Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Levels of microplastics and their characteristics in molluscs from North-West Mediterranean Sea: Human intake

Marine Pollution Bulletin 2022 84 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 60 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Nora Expósito, Nora Expósito, Nora Expósito, José L. Domingo, Nora Expósito, José L. Domingo, José L. Domingo, José L. Domingo, Nora Expósito, Jordi Sierra, Joaquim Rovira, José L. Domingo, Nora Expósito, Nora Expósito, Nora Expósito, Nora Expósito, Nora Expósito, Nora Expósito, Joaquim Rovira, Joaquim Rovira, Joaquim Rovira, Jordi Sierra, Jordi Sierra, Joaquim Rovira, Joaquim Rovira, Jordi Sierra, Joaquim Rovira, Joaquim Rovira, Joaquim Rovira, Jordi Sierra, Gemma Giménez Papiol Marta Schuhmacher, Gemma Giménez Papiol, José L. Domingo, José L. Domingo, Joaquim Rovira, Marta Schuhmacher, Nora Expósito, Jordi Sierra, Nora Expósito, Marta Schuhmacher, Nora Expósito, José L. Domingo, Marta Schuhmacher, Joaquim Rovira, Joaquim Rovira, Joaquim Rovira, Marta Schuhmacher, Marta Schuhmacher, Marta Schuhmacher, Jordi Sierra, Joaquim Rovira, Joaquim Rovira, Jordi Sierra, Jordi Sierra, Jordi Sierra, Joaquim Rovira, Joaquim Rovira, Marta Schuhmacher, Gemma Giménez Papiol, Gemma Giménez Papiol

Summary

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.

Microplastics (MPs) are accessible for organisms with active filter feeding strategies, as are many marine molluscs, which live attached or semi-buried in sediments. In the present study, MPs (from 0.02 to 5 mm) concentration, morphology, and composition were determined in consumed mollusc species of the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea). Microplastic concentrations, morphologic characteristics and composition were studied according to species, catchment zones and depuration condition. Finally, human intake of MPs through molluscs' consumption was determined. >2300 individuals were analysed, being 1460 MPs extracted and their size, and polymeric composition registered. Big oysters and mussels showed the highest MPs concentration by individual, with levels of 22.8 ± 14.4 and 18.6 ± 23.0 MPs/individual, respectively. Mean annual MPs (≥20 μm) consumption for adult population was estimated in 8103 MPs/year, with a 95th percentile of 19,418 MPs/year. It suggests that the consumption of molluscs is an important route of MPs exposure for the Catalan population.

Read via DOI PubMed Download PDF

Share this paper

Post Share Share Pin Email