We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Determination of microplastics in the edible green-lipped mussel Perna viridis using an automated mapping technique of Raman microspectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used automated Raman microspectroscopy to identify and quantify microplastics in edible green-lipped mussels from Hong Kong mariculture zones. The study found microplastics in all sampled mussels, with fibers being the most common type, raising concerns about human dietary exposure given Hong Kong's high per-capita seafood consumption.
Microplastics are prevalent in marine environments and seafood and thus can easily end up in human diets. This has raised serious concerns worldwide, particularly in Hong Kong where the seafood consumption per capita can be three times higher than the global average. This study focused on the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis, a popular seafood species which is subject to a high risk of contamination by microplastics due to its filter-feeding nature. P. viridis was collected from five mariculture sites in Hong Kong and assessed for its body load of microplastics using an automated Raman mapping approach. Microplastics were found in all sites, with an average of 1.60-14.7 particles per mussel per site, or 0.21-1.83 particles per g wet weight. Polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate were detected among the microplastics, mainly as fragments or fibres in the size range of 40-1000 µm. It was estimated that through consumption of P. viridis, the population in Hong Kong could ingest up to 10,380 pieces of microplastics per person per year. These estimated rates were high compared to the values reported worldwide, suggesting the potential human health risk of microplastics in Hong Kong and adjacent areas.
More Papers Like This
Improved Raman spectroscopy-based approach to assess microplastics in seafood
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an improved Raman spectroscopy protocol for assessing microplastics in seafood, using green-lipped mussels and Japanese jack mackerel as test models. The study identified key methodological challenges in sample preparation and analysis, and proposed solutions that improve the accuracy and efficiency of microplastic identification in food products.
Contamination of microplastic in bivalve: first evaluation in Vietnam
AI summary Read the abstract
For the first time in Vietnam, microplastics were detected inside green mussels (Perna viridis), with fibers and fragments being the most common types. Given that mussels are widely eaten in Vietnam, this raises concerns about microplastic exposure through seafood.
Microplastics in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) from the marine environment of coastal Norway
AI summary Read the abstract
Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) from coastal Norwegian waters were examined for microplastic contamination, with particles identified by visual inspection and Raman spectroscopy. The study documents the types and abundances of microplastics ingested by wild mussels, which are widely consumed as seafood, raising questions about human dietary exposure.
Optimization of a protocol for the extraction and chemical characterization of microplastics in Chamelea gallina by Raman microspectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers optimized an extraction and chemical characterization protocol for microplastics in bivalve molluscs, improving polymer identification through combined spectroscopic methods. The validated protocol provides a reliable approach for routine microplastic monitoring in shellfish used as bioindicators.
Detection and quantification of microplastics from cultured green mussel Perna viridis in Bacoor Bay, Cavite, Philippines
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in green mussels from Bacoor Bay in the Philippines, with an average of several particles per individual, confirming that commercially farmed bivalves in Southeast Asia are contaminated and representing a potential human exposure route through seafood consumption.
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.