0
Article Tier 2 Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Investigation of microplastic contamination in blood cockles and green mussels from selected aquaculture farms and markets in Thailand

Chemosphere 2022 63 citations

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in blood cockles and green mussels from aquaculture farms and markets in Thailand using fluorescence microscopy and micro-FTIR spectroscopy. They found microplastics present in all samples, with fibers being the most common shape and varying abundance levels across different collection sites. The study raises concerns about microplastic contamination in commercially farmed and sold bivalves as a pathway for human dietary exposure.

Recent studies have indicated that bivalves are bioindicators for microplastic pollution since they are filter feeders and accumulate microplastics (MPs) during their feeding process. This study focused on the investigation of MPs in blood cockles (Tegillarca granosa) and green mussels (Perna viridis) from selected aquaculture farms and markets in Thailand. The abundance of MPs was identified by fluorescence microscopy with Nile Red tagging and the polymer detection by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (micro-FTIR). The number of MPs in blood cockle samples from the Khlong Dan market and the BangBo aquaculture farm was 11 ± 5 and 6 ± 1 particles/individual, respectively. For green mussel samples, the number of MPs from the Talaad Thai market and the Sriracha fisheries research station was 96 ± 19 and 11 ± 7 particles/individual, respectively. The results of the study indicate that the number of MPs in bivalve samples from the markets is much higher than in the aquaculture farms. This probably is due to the contamination of MPs in bivalves during the packaging and transportation processes. However, further studies are needed to confirm this. The predominant MPs were fragments and fibres with a size range of 0.05-0.3 mm. Most polymers were polypropylene, polyethylene, copolymer, polyester, and nylon. In brief, this study showed the contamination of MPs in bivalves cultivated for human consumption. The accumulation of MPs in these marine bivalves can lead to the biomagnification of MPs along the food chain. This can impact food safety and human health.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Microplastic Contamination in Blood Cockles and Mussels in Bandon Bay, Suratthani Province, Thailand

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers quantified microplastic contamination in blood cockles and mussels from Bandon Bay, Thailand, finding widespread plastic particles in these commercially important bivalves and raising concerns about microplastic transfer through the seafood supply chain.

Article Tier 2

Microplastic Abundance in Blood Cockles and Shrimps from Fishery Market, Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand

AI summary Read the abstract

Microplastics were detected in blood cockles and shrimps purchased from a fishery market in Songkhla Province, southern Thailand, with contamination levels and polymer types characterized in commercially important seafood that represents a route of microplastic ingestion for local consumers.

Article Tier 2

Microplastics Contamination in Commercial Green Mussels from Selected Wet Markets in Thailand

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers quantified microplastic contamination in commercially sold green mussels from Thai wet markets, providing the first assessment of MP levels in market-sold mussel species in Thailand and estimating potential human dietary exposure.

Article Tier 2

The Contamination of Microplastics in Mussel (Mytilus edulis), and Oyster (Crassostrea gigas): A Case Study from a Fish Market, Chonburi Province

AI summary Read the abstract

Microplastics were found in mussels and oysters sold at a fish market in Thailand, with fibers and fragments being the most common types. Since bivalves are often eaten whole, this raises concerns about human ingestion of microplastics through seafood.

Article Tier 2

Microplastics in commercial bivalves from coastal areas of Thailand and health risk associated with microplastics in ingested bivalves

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers measured microplastic contamination in four species of commercial shellfish from Thailand's coastline and assessed the health risk to consumers. Microplastics were found in 69-93% of the shellfish sampled, with fibers being the most common type. Based on local consumption patterns, the study estimated that regular shellfish eaters in Thailand could be ingesting significant amounts of microplastics, though the health risk was deemed low to moderate at current levels.

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.

Email me about

Share this paper