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Microplastic pollution in wild populations of decapod crustaceans: A review
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Researchers reviewed the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics found in wild populations of decapod crustaceans including crabs and shrimps. They found that fibrous microplastics smaller than 1 mm were the most commonly detected type, and that edible portions generally contained fewer microplastics than non-edible parts. The review highlights the importance of understanding microplastic contamination in commercially valuable crustaceans for both ecological and food safety assessments.
Along with the increasing amount of plastic production and waste disposal, the presence of microplastics has been confirmed in all compartments of ecosystems. The microplastics in biota is of particular concern due to the potential eco-risks associated with long term exposure and the potential for transportation along food webs. Decapoda represents a diverse taxonomic group within the subphylum Crustacea, and some of which are highly valued in fishery and biological production. The interaction between microplastic pollution and wild populations of decapod crustaceans have been documented less than fish or bivalves but are critical to understand the fates of microplastics in marine eco-systems and enrich the baselines for consumption analyses. Our review systematically summarizes the occurrence, abundance and characteristics of microplastics detected in edible and non-edible sections of decapod crustaceans from field observations. Sub-groups between crabs and shrimps were also included for comparison. The occurrence of microplastics in the edible sections were less than those in non-edible sections, and there are differences between crabs and shrimps. Fibrous microplastics and items with a size category less than 1 mm were dominant pollutants across all available literature. The methodology selection, biological features and uptake pathways play roles in the microplastic body burden in Decapoda. Our work enriches the understanding of microplastic pollution in wild populations of decapod crustaceans but their contribution to the human exposure to microplastics needs to be addressed with more accurate measurements.
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Microplastics in decapod crustaceans: Accumulation, toxicity and impacts, a review
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This review summarizes research on microplastic contamination in decapod crustaceans like shrimp, crabs, and lobsters, which are widely consumed as seafood. Studies have found microplastics accumulating in their gills, digestive organs, and gut, with experimental evidence showing oxidative stress, immune damage, and reproductive toxicity. The findings raise concerns about potential human exposure to microplastics through seafood consumption.
Microplastics in decapod crustaceans sourced from Australian seafood markets
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Forty-eight percent of prawns and crabs purchased from Australian seafood markets contained microplastics, predominantly polyester fibers, with crabs averaging 1.6 pieces per individual and prawns 0.8 pieces. Compared to a worldwide systematic review, microplastic loads in Australian crustaceans were in the lower range of global contamination levels.
Comparative assessment of microplastic ingestion among deep sea decapods: Distribution analysis in Sardinian and Catalan waters
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Researchers examined microplastic ingestion in four species of deep-sea shrimp and lobster from the Mediterranean Sea, finding that nearly 73% of the animals had consumed microplastics. Fiber-shaped microplastics were by far the most common type found, and contamination levels varied between species and regions. The study shows that even deep-sea crustaceans consumed by humans are exposed to significant microplastic pollution.
Microplastics in shrimps: a study from the trawling grounds of north eastern part of Arabian Sea
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Researchers examined three species of shrimp from trawling grounds in the Arabian Sea and found microplastics in every individual tested, with an average of nearly seven particles per shrimp. Fibers were the most common type of microplastic found, and six different plastic polymers were identified in the shrimps' digestive tracts. The findings confirm that microplastic contamination is widespread in commercially important seafood species, raising questions about potential transfer to human consumers.
Ingestion and polymeric risk assessment of microplastic contamination in commercially important brachyuran crab Portunus sanguinolentus
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in a commercially important crab species from three fishing harbors in India and found plastics in every location sampled. The crabs contained an average of 0.67 microplastic particles per gram, with polyethylene and polystyrene among the most common types, and pollution levels rated as very high risk at all sites. Since these crabs are widely eaten, the findings suggest that seafood consumers may be regularly ingesting microplastics.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.