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In-situ microplastic egestion efficiency of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica
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Researchers found that eastern oysters egested microplastics from their environment at a rate of about one particle per hour through feces, with smaller oysters being more efficient at clearing particles than larger, harvestable-sized individuals.
Microplastics (MP) are a pervasive environmental pollutant that enter coastal water bodies, posing an ingestion risk to marine biota. This study quantified the ability of the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) to egest MP in-situ in their biodeposits - feces and pseudofeces. Oysters of all sizes were able to egest environmental MP at a mean rate of 1 MP per 1 h through feces, and 1 MP per 2 h through pseudofeces. Smaller C. virginica were more efficient at egesting MP, and efficiency decreased by 0.8% per 1-g increase in tissue weight, with C. virginica of harvestable size being much less efficient. These findings are of relevance to resource managers for C. virginica populations as it further contributes to our understanding of MP accumulation in wild populations and has implications for not just C. virginica but also for their consumers.
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Ingestion and egestion of polystyrene microplastic fragments by the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas
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Researchers investigated size-specific ingestion and egestion of polystyrene microplastic fragments by Pacific oysters, finding that oysters can ingest and later expel microplastics, with the process varying by particle size.
MICROPLASTICS FOUND IN THE EASTERN OYSTER (Crassostrea virginica) AND THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT
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Eastern oysters and surrounding water and sediment samples were collected from a US estuary and analyzed for microplastic content. Microplastics were found in both oysters and environmental matrices, though the oysters did not accumulate particles proportionally to environmental concentrations, suggesting selective ingestion. The study contributes to understanding how commercially important bivalves interact with microplastics in their natural habitat and what this means for seafood safety.
Prevalence of Microplastics in the Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica in the Chesapeake Bay: The Impact of Different Digestion Methods on Microplastic Properties
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Eastern oysters from three Chesapeake Bay sites were found to contain microplastics, with hydrogen peroxide and potassium hydroxide digestion methods yielding the highest recovery rates, while nitric acid produced satisfactory results with better microplastic preservation.
Microplastics Uptake and Egestion Dynamics in Pacific Oysters, Magallana Gigas (Thunberg, 1793), Under Controlled Conditions
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Researchers studied how Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) ingest and egest microplastics under controlled conditions, finding that ingestion rates were rapid and dose-dependent while egestion was slower, resulting in temporary accumulation that increases the oysters' exposure to adsorbed pollutants and pathogens during the retention period.
Microplastic Content in Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from South Carolina, USA
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Researchers analyzed microplastic content in oysters, water, and sediments from four estuaries in South Carolina, USA, quantifying contamination levels across these matrices in the commercially important Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica.
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.