We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Comparative study on the microplastics abundance, characteristics, and possible sources in yellow clams of different demographic regions of the northwest coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastics in yellow clams collected from urban and rural coastal sites along northwest India, finding some of the highest contamination levels ever recorded globally — averaging 91 microplastic particles per individual clam. Clams from heavily populated areas showed worse health scores, suggesting microplastic exposure may be directly harming shellfish that people eat.
Microplastics have become ubiquitous on the planet and are considered one of the biggest threats to life on earth. Several recent studies have addressed the serious risks that microplastics can pose to human health. In this study, the microplastic content and spatial variations in number, size, colour, and polymers from a highly urbanized cosmopolitan, urban, and rural coastal locations of the northwest Indian coast were documented using yellow clams. The mean incidence of microplastics across all the stations among the clams is found to be one of the highest ever reported worldwide, which is 35.93 MPs items/g in soft tissue parts and 91.42 MPs items/individual. The clams were found to have a higher microplastic diversity integrated index (MDII) and Microplastic index (MPI). The majority of the microplastics observed were fibres and fragments, belonged to the size range of 1–100 µm (51.36%), and were identified as HDPE, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, and polypropylene. The clam condition index (CI) was recorded high at the rural coast with lower population and lowest at the megacity having greater population which may indicate the negative effect of MPs on clams growth.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in the foreshore coastal waters, sediment, and coastal fauna of a highly populated megacity - A study on the effect of anthropogenic discharge on clams
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented microplastic contamination in coastal waters, sediments, and clams across three beaches of a highly populated Indian megacity, finding high abundances of up to 537.5 items per liter in water and significant bioaccumulation in clam soft tissues.
Assessment of microplastic contamination in clams and shrimp from estuarine environments of Goa: implications for environmental health and food safety
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined clams and shrimp from estuarine environments in Goa, India, and found microplastics present in both species and their surrounding waters, with shrimp from one site showing particularly high contamination and bioaccumulation. The particles were predominantly polyamide, polyethylene, and polystyrene fibers and fragments, likely originating from fishing, tourism, and waste disposal activities. The findings raise concerns about food safety for local and tourist populations who regularly consume seafood from these coastal areas.
Microplastic in clams: An extensive spatial assessment in south Brazil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in clams collected from extensive coastal regions of southern Brazil. They found microplastics in the soft tissues of clams across all sampling sites, with contamination levels influenced by proximity to urban areas, rivers, and local water flow patterns. The study highlights that even organisms in less urbanized coastal areas are accumulating microplastics, raising concerns about widespread contamination in shellfish habitats.
Microplastic contamination in edible clams from popular recreational clam-digging sites in Hong Kong and implications for human health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined 249 wild clams from recreational digging sites in Hong Kong and found that over 56% contained microplastics, averaging about one particle per individual. Based on consumption patterns, they estimated that Hong Kong residents may ingest over 14,000 microplastic particles annually from wild clam consumption alone. A risk assessment using a polymer hazard index indicated a medium level of concern for human health.
Characteristics and potential human health risks of microplastics identified in typical clams from South Yellow Sea Mudflat
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in wild and farmed clams from the South Yellow Sea Mudflat in China and assessed potential human health risks from consuming them. They found microplastics in all clam samples, with wild clams containing higher levels than farmed clams, and fragment and fiber shapes being most common. The study estimates that adults consuming these clams could ingest hundreds of microplastic particles per kilogram of body weight annually, raising concerns about dietary exposure.
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.