Occurrence of microplastics in bivalve molluscs Anomalocardia flexuosa captured in Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil

Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in marine ecosystems, and their ubiquitous presence is raising concern, particularly about possible impacts on fisheries resources. In tropical regions, shellfish fisheries represent an essential source of income and subsistence for traditional communities, and adverse effects on these resources may have severe consequences on human health. In the present study, bivalve molluscs of the species Anomalocardia flexuosa, captured in the region of the Itapessoca estuary in Pernambuco, Brazil, were analysed. A total of 90% of the individuals presented MP particles in their tissue. We observed an average of 5.15 ± 3.80 MP particles per individual, and for each gram of soft tissue, 3.66 ± 2.59 MP particles were found. Our results showed that MPs are present in clams captured on the Pernambuco coast and that the species studied proved to be suitable for monitoring the levels of microplastic pollution.