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Dangerous microplastics in topshells and anemones along the north coast of Spain
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Researchers found microplastics in three edible marine species — two types of topshells and sea anemones — collected from six sites along the northern coast of Spain. Plastic fragments and fibers were the most common types found, and contamination was detected at all sites. Since topshells and anemones are consumed by local people, this represents a direct human exposure pathway for microplastics through seafood consumption.
While levels of microplastics and other pollutants keep increasing in all coastal habitats, seafood is being eaten all over the world. In this research, three edible species were sampled from six points along the central north coast of Spain: Actinia equina anemones and Phorcus lineatus and Steromphala umbilicaris topshells (N = 100). Putative microplastics (N = 2157) were identified, counted, and many analyzed through FT-IR spectroscopy. Herbivorous topshells contained significantly more microplastics than carnivorous anemones. The most common particles were fibers, with transparent, blue and black as most prominent colours. Plastics included PE, polyester, PET, PP, nylon, PS, PVB and acrylic fibers. The sampled items contained several harmful compounds, including PTTC of which even one particle could be fatal if inhaled. This highlights the urgent need for studies regarding the safety of seafood.
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Researchers found microplastics in the edible tissues of three popular seafood species (clams, shrimp, and anchovies) from fish markets in Kerala, India. Fibers and fragments were the most common shapes, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the dominant plastic types. Since these species are consumed whole or with minimal processing, the study highlights a direct pathway for microplastic ingestion by people who eat locally caught seafood.
Microplastic contamination in marine mussels from the Atlantic coast of North Portugal and human risk of microplastic intake through mussel consumption
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Researchers analyzed fillets of several common Mediterranean seafood species for microplastic contamination and estimated the associated human dietary exposure. They detected microplastics in the edible tissue of all species tested, including sardines, sea bream, and mussels. The study provides risk estimates suggesting that regular seafood consumption represents a notable pathway for human microplastic ingestion.
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