We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in shellfish from Jiaozhou Bay, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in both wild and farmed oysters and clams from China's Jiaozhou Bay, estimating that average seafood consumption exposes Chinese consumers to over 1,200 microplastic particles per person per year through shellfish alone.
As an emerging pollutant, the presence of microplastics in marine organisms has been concerned increasingly. Shellfish, which are both economically and ecologically important, are of particular concern. In this study, we investigated the microplastic pollution in wild and farmed oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) in the Jiaozhou Bay, China, for the first time. We found the microplastic pollution in shellfish in Jiaozhou Bay was at a moderate level. The abundance of microplastics in shellfish ranged from 0.16 to 12.09 items/g (wet weight, ww) or 1 to 9 items/ind. The average abundance of the ingested microplastics was 1.21 items/g (or 2.17 items/ind.) in all shellfish, 1.51 items/g (or 2.00 items/ind.) in clams and 0.92 items/g (or 2.34 items/ind.) in oysters. The abundance of microplastics in clams was significantly higher than that in oysters. Most microplastics (92.97%) were fibers, followed by fragments. The predominant color of the microplastics was black (42.97%), followed by blue, transparent, and red. Cellophane and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) dominated the microplastic composition. According to shellfish consumption, it can be inferred that the average microplastic consumption through Chinese diet is 1.27×103 items per capita per year.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence of Microplastic Pollution in Marine Water
AI summary Read the abstract
Marine microplastic accumulation, estimated at over 250,000 tons in ocean environments, is driven by fragmentation of larger plastic debris and represents a persistent and growing contamination challenge. These particles are ingested by marine organisms across food web levels, raising concerns about biomagnification and human dietary exposure.
Microplastic pollution and its impact on marine microbes in Zhanjiang, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Analysis of offshore sediments near Zhanjiang, China, found microplastics dominated by polyamides, polyurethanes, and polyethylene in the 10–50 micrometer size range, with microbial community diversity and species richness measurably reduced in contaminated areas. Functional prediction analyses indicated that microplastic presence disrupts key microbial processes including nitrogen cycling and respiration, threatening foundational ecosystem services in coastal marine sediments.
A Review of Microplastics in China Marine Waters
AI summary Read the abstract
A comprehensive review of microplastic research across China's four coastal seas found highly variable contamination levels, with offshore mariculture zones and the South China Sea most polluted, and polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene accounting for nearly 90% of identified polymers. The review underscores the scale of marine microplastic pollution in one of the world's most densely populated coastlines, where contaminated seafood and water directly threaten human health.
Microplastics in the Marine Ecosystems: Identification and Impacts
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles called microplastics, broken-down bits of everyday plastic waste, are showing up along India's coastlines, and this review paper rounds up what scientists have found so far. While research on their health effects is still catching up, these particles are known to persist in the environment and can enter the food chain through seafood, raising concerns about long-term exposure for coastal communities. The authors point out that India still needs a lot more research to fully understand how serious this problem is and what it means for people's health.
Micro- and Nanoplastics Impact on Food Sources of Marine Origin
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics contaminate marine-sourced foods including fish, shellfish, and seaweed, raising concerns about human dietary exposure. With billions of metric tons of plastic produced since 1950, ocean food sources represent a significant and growing pathway for plastic particles entering the human body.
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.