We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic contamination in edible American lobster (Homarus americanus) muscle tissue
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in the edible muscle tissue of American lobsters from four commercial fishing sites in Nova Scotia, Canada. All lobsters examined contained microplastics at a mean concentration of 6.65 particles per gram of wet tissue, with smaller lobsters showing higher concentrations and the most common particles being small enough to potentially translocate within tissues.
This study investigated internalized microplastic (MP) concentration, size, and polymer composition in the edible muscle tissue of Homarus americanus collected from four commercial lobster fishing sites in Nova Scotia, Canada. Mean MP concentration across all lobsters was 6.65 ± 5.36 MPs g −1 wet weight tissue, and all lobsters examined contained MPs. MP concentration was inversely correlated with lobster size (i.e., tail length), and varied depending on sampling location, with significantly higher MP concentrations in lobsters from the south-west area. The mean MP diameter was 3.65 ± 0.47 µm, while the most common MP size classes found indicate translocation susceptibility of lobster muscle tissue from the smallest MPs (≤4 µm). The most abundant polymers identified were polyethylene vinyl acetate (25 %), polyester (25 %), and polysulfone (19 %). Findings highlight the need for more muscle tissue-specific analysis to better understand the ecological implications of MP contamination in lobsters. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of MP exposure on lobsters. • Microplastics (MPs) were investigated in Homarus americanus in Nova Scotia, Canada. • All lobsters examined contained internalized microplastics in edible tail muscle tissues. • MP sizes in lobster muscle tissue indicate translocation susceptibility of the smallest MPs (≤4 µm). • Most abundant polymers were polyethylene vinyl acetate (25 %), polyester (25 %), and polysulfone (19 %). • Further research is needed to understand long-term effects of microplastic exposure on lobsters.
More Papers Like This
Investigating microplastic contamination in american lobster (homarus americanus) from mi'kma'ki (nova scotia), canada
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in the tail muscle tissue of commercial American lobsters (Homarus americanus) collected from four regions of Nova Scotia, Canada, characterizing particle counts, sizes, and polymer types alongside heavy metal analysis of the same tissue. The study aimed to fill a significant gap in Canadian fisheries microplastics data, given that lobster represents the country's largest fishing industry, with preliminary findings generating baseline contamination data.
Confirmation of microplastic contamination in muscle tissue of Nephrops norvegicus from the Adriatic Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers confirmed the presence of microplastics in the muscle tissue (tail and claw meat) of Norway lobsters harvested from the Adriatic Sea, following up on an earlier study that found contamination in the gut and hepatopancreas. Finding microplastics in the edible portions of commercially harvested lobster has direct implications for human dietary exposure to plastic particles.
Occurrence, abundance, and characterization of microplastics in edible tissues of mud spiny lobster (Panulirus polyphagus) from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the edible tail muscle of mud spiny lobsters collected from the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. The study found microplastics present in the lobster tissue, characterized by type, size, and polymer composition, raising food safety concerns about microplastic exposure through seafood consumption.
Accumulation and effects of microplastic fibers in American lobster larvae (Homarus americanus)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the effects of microplastic fibers (MPF) on American lobster larvae across four developmental stages, finding that only the highest MPF concentrations reduced early larval survival while oxygen consumption rates were suppressed in later larval stages exposed to high concentrations. The study showed that MPF accumulation, ingestion, and effects were all dependent on larval stage, MPF concentration, and food availability.
Quantification of microplastic ingestion by the decapod crustacean Nephrops norvegicus from Irish waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic ingestion in 150 Norway lobsters collected from five Irish fishing grounds. About 69% of the animals had ingested microplastics, averaging 1.75 items per individual, with fibers accounting for 98% of particles found. The study estimates that human exposure to microplastics through Irish seafood consumption could range from 15 to 4,471 particles per year.
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.