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Occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals accumulation in native oysters Crassostrea Gasar in the Paranaguá estuarine system, Brazil
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Researchers examined native oysters from the Paranagua estuarine system in Brazil for both microplastic contamination and heavy metal accumulation. They found high levels of microplastics in all oyster samples, along with elevated concentrations of several heavy metals, and observed potential interactions between the two pollutant types. The study raises concerns about the combined exposure risks from microplastics and heavy metals in seafood harvested from polluted estuaries.
The ubiquitous presence of contaminants in the marine environment is considered a global threat to marine organisms. Heavy metals and microplastics are two distinct classes of pollutants but there are interactions between these two stressors that are still poorly understood. We examined the potential relationship between heavy metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Ba, Hg, Pb) and microplastic particles in oysters sampled along the Paranaguá Estuarine System. The results suggested high levels of As and Zn in the bivalves, which are destined for human consumption. Microplastic particles were found in oysters from all sampled locations, demonstrating the spread of this pollutant in the marine environment and its ability to bioaccumulate in oysters. However, our data did not demonstrate a direct relationship between microplastics and heavy metals, suggesting that these particles are not the main route for heavy metal contamination of oysters in the Paranaguá Estuarine System.
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Scientists tested mussels and oysters from Guanabara Bay in Brazil—one of Latin America's most polluted waterways—and found some of the highest microplastic levels ever recorded in shellfish there, especially near cities and ports. Since these are the same types of shellfish people eat, this study is a reminder that seafood from polluted coastal waters may carry significant plastic contamination, though more research is needed to understand what that means for our health.
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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.