We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Study of Microplastics and Inorganic Contaminants in Mussels from the Montenegrin Coast, Adriatic Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from three sites in Montenegro's Adriatic coast using optical and Raman microscopy, detecting microplastics in all samples along with elevated concentrations of trace metals, providing the first combined MPs and inorganic contaminant data for this coastline.
Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected at three locations in Boka Kotorska Bay, on the Montenegrin Adriatic coast, were analyzed for the first time by optical and Raman microscopy to detect microplastics (MPs) and other emerging contaminants in their soft tissues. Concentrations of six trace metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cd, and Hg) were also measured in the same samples by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mussels from a location near the urban area of Kotor were found to exhibit the highest content of MPs and other pollutants originating from anthropogenic sources, while farmed mussels showed higher carotenoid as well as nylon content. The hypothesis of MPs acting as a possible secondary route of trace metals ingress in mussels, a thus far scarcely studied topic, was evaluated based on a comparative analysis of the obtained results. In this context, it was noticed that nylon filaments originating from mussel farming equipment might contribute to higher trace metal content. The results showed that the simultaneous analysis of different contaminants in mussels can be a significant step forward in marine environment pollution monitoring and the assessment of human health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated seafood.
More Papers Like This
First occurrence and composition assessment of microplastics in native mussels collected from coastal and offshore areas of the northern and central Adriatic Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were detected for the first time in native mussels from coastal and offshore areas of the northern and central Adriatic Sea, with chemical analysis confirming common plastic polymers and offshore populations also affected. The study establishes a baseline for microplastic contamination in an important Mediterranean commercial shellfish species.
Evaluation of microplastic content in mediterranian mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) on the Croatian coast of the Adriatic sea
AI summary Read the abstract
This Croatian thesis examined microplastic content in Mediterranean mussels from three locations along the Croatian Adriatic coast. Researchers found microplastics in both wild and farmed mussels, with fragment and fiber types identified across all sampling sites.
Microplastics in Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: Comparison between Cultured and WildType Mussels from the Northern Adriatic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in the digestive glands of Mediterranean mussels collected from pristine, aquaculture, and port areas along the northern Adriatic coast. The highest contamination was found in mussels from a Croatian marina, with the smallest particles in the 5-to-10-micrometer range being the most prevalent. The study highlights that mussels accumulate microplastics regardless of their environment, with port areas showing notably higher contamination levels.
Assessment of microplastic particles ingested by Mytilus galloprovincialis along the Adriatic coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled 176 Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels from six stations across the Adriatic Sea as part of the INTERREG IT-HR MARLESS project, digesting tissue with acid and extracting microplastics via saturated sodium chloride filtration. Microplastics were detected at all sampled locations, with shape, size, and color characterization revealing widespread contamination across the study region.
Microplastics in mussels from the Boka Kotorska Bay (Adriatic Sea) and impact on human health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed mussels from the Adriatic Sea coast of Montenegro and found microplastics in over half of the specimens, mostly in the form of blue fibers made from polyethylene and polypropylene. Based on typical mussel consumption in the region, they estimated that humans could ingest hundreds of microplastic particles annually through seafood. The study raises concerns about microplastic exposure through shellfish consumption along the Adriatic coast.
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.