We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in Marine and Estuarine Species From the Coast of Portugal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in five marine and estuarine species collected from the coast of Portugal, including mussels, clams, and polychaetes. They found microplastics in all species examined, with fibers being the most common type, and noted differences in contamination levels between sampling sites. The study contributes baseline data on microplastic pollution in commercially relevant Portuguese seafood species.
Microplastics (MP) have been confirmed as emerging pollutants in the marine environment due to their ubiquity, bioavailability, persistence and potential toxicity. This study contributes with valuable data regarding the abundance and characteristics of the MP found in five species collected from Portugal. The mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis ( n = 140) was collected from the Tagus estuary and Porto Covo coastal area, the peppery furrow shell Scrobicularia plana ( n = 140) and the polychaete Marphysa sanguinea ( n = 30) both from the Sado estuary, and Trachurus trachurus ( n = 82) and Scomber colias ( n = 82) fished off Figueira da Foz and Sesimbra. Soft tissues of all individuals were digested using a KOH (10%) solution, which allowed the extraction of MP. All studied species presented MP. In a total of 502 MP observed from all samples, 80% were fibers and 20% were fragments, with a size range of 73 μm–4,680 μm and blue was the most common color recorded (46%). The frequency of occurrence of MP was higher in T. trachurus (70%) and lowest in M. sanguinea (17%). MP abundance ranged from 0.30 ± 0.63 MP. ind −1 in S. plana , to 2.46 ± 4.12 MP. ind −1 in S. colias . No significant correlation was found between the individual biometric parameters and total MP, fibers and fragments ingested by each species. The FTIR analysis revealed that polyester and polyethylene were the most common polymers present. These results can be used as a reference for future studies regarding the use of indicator species for monitoring MP pollution in the coast of Portugal.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic contamination in marine mussels from the Atlantic coast of North Portugal and human risk of microplastic intake through mussel consumption
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed wild mussels from Portugal's Atlantic coast and found microplastics in all samples, with an average of about 1.6 particles per gram of mussel tissue. Based on typical Portuguese seafood consumption patterns, the estimated annual human intake of microplastics from mussels alone was calculated, highlighting that regular shellfish consumers face meaningful microplastic exposure through their diet.
Major characteristics of microplastics in mussels from the Portuguese coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were characterized in mussels (Mytilus spp.) collected from the Portuguese coast, documenting abundance, shape, color, and polymer composition, with fibers and fragments dominated by polyester and polyethylene.
Microplastics contamination along the coastal waters of NW Portugal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination across four coastal sites in northwest Portugal — including a marine protected area, an estuary, a shipwreck, and a marina — finding microplastics everywhere, with higher concentrations near fishing and shipping activities. Polyethylene and polypropylene fibers and films dominated, highlighting the widespread reach of plastic pollution even in protected areas.
Microplastics monitoring in mussels and water from the port of sines, portugal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in mussels and seawater from the Port of Sines, the main Atlantic-facing port in Portugal, assessing contamination levels in a heavily used industrial maritime setting. Microplastics were detected in both water and mussel tissue, with port activity identified as a localized source of elevated contamination.
Microplastics in mussels along the coastal waters of China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in mussels collected from coastal waters spanning the entire coastline of China. They found microplastics in all samples, with fibers being the dominant type and concentrations varying by region. The study provides the first large-scale baseline data on microplastic pollution in Chinese coastal bivalves, highlighting areas of particular concern and confirming that filter-feeding shellfish are reliable indicators of local microplastic contamination.
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.