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Characterization of microplastics and associated metals in green mussel cultivation: Estimation of potential health risks
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Researchers examined 120 green mussels from Jakarta and found microplastics in every single sample, with an average of 18 particles per mussel along with aluminum and lead contamination on particle surfaces. The study identified 15 different polymer types, some classified at hazard levels considered dangerous to human health. Based on consumption patterns, the estimated annual human intake of microplastics from these mussels ranged from about 10,000 to 76,000 particles across different age groups.
Green mussels, a popular seafood in Jakarta, have been found to be contaminated with microplastics. Microplastics are hydrophobic, they can adsorb various pollutants, such as metals and persistent organic compounds, onto their surface, thereby increasing the potential for biomagnification through the trophic chain. Microplastic contamination in mussels is a growing concern and may pose health risks to consumers. This research aims to characterize the types of polymers, shape colors, abundance of microplastic, detect heavy metal contaminants on microplastic surfaces in the gills, and estimate the health risks associated with their consumption. The results showed that microplastics were detected in all 120 green mussels sampled, with fragments being the dominant type, followed by fibers and films. The average abundance of microplastics was 18 ± 9.4 particles per individual or 4 ± 2.8 per gram of wet tissue weight and the average wet weight was 4.9 ± 2.15 g. FTIR analysis identified 15 types of polymers, and polymer hazard levels led to risk categories I, II III and V, which is considered very dangerous to human health. The percentages of aluminum and lead on the surface of gill microplastics were 0.15 % and 0.01 %, respectively, while the percentage of aluminum identified in microplastics on the Whatman filter was 0.23 %. The estimated annual quantity of microplastics ingested by humans ranged from 10,192 items to 76,440 items among diverse age ranges. It is estimated that each person in Indonesia ingests 271,313 microplastics annually through the consumption of green mussels. The ingestion of microplastics also leads to the intake of associated heavy metals, posing significant risks to human health.
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Microplastics in green mussels (Perna viridis) from Jakarta Bay, Indonesia, and the associated hazards to human health posed by their consumption
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Researchers found microplastics in all 120 green mussels sampled from Jakarta Bay, identifying 12 polymer types, and estimated that Indonesian shellfish consumers may ingest up to 775,000 microplastic particles annually depending on consumption levels.
Contaminants and Human Health Risks Associated with Exposure to Microplastic Ingestion of Green Mussels (Perna viridis) Collected from The Kedonganan Fish Market, Bali
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Researchers analyzed green mussels sold at a fish market in Bali, Indonesia, and found microplastics in the form of lines, fragments, filaments, and films across all samples. Black-colored particles were the most prevalent, and estimated annual microplastic intake through mussel consumption in Indonesia reached nearly 500,000 particles per person. The findings raise concerns about dietary exposure to microplastics through commonly consumed seafood in the region.
Heavy metal and microplastic contamination in green mussels (Perna viridis) collected from an important aquaculture area in Java, Indonesia: Bioaccumulation and risk assessment
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Scientists tested green mussels from Indonesian fish farms and found that most heavy metals in them were at safe levels for eating, except lead, which was slightly above the recommended limit. However, the mussels also contained tiny plastic particles (microplastics) made from eight different types of plastic, and researchers rated the potential hazard from these plastics as high—meaning that while the metals alone may not pose a major risk, the combined effect of eating seafood contaminated with both metals and plastic particles is still a health concern worth watching.
Microplastic contamination in green mussels (Perna viridis Linnaeus, 1858) from traditional seafood markets in Jakarta, Indonesia, and an evaluation of potential hazards
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Researchers examined green mussels sold at traditional seafood markets in Jakarta, Indonesia, and found microplastic contamination in every sample tested. The most common types were black fibers made of polymers like rayon and polyethylene, with chemical analysis revealing potentially harmful additives. Since mussels are filter feeders that concentrate particles from seawater, eating contaminated shellfish is a direct route for microplastic exposure in humans.
Microplastic contamination in green mussels (Perna viridis Linnaeus, 1758) collected from the traditional fish markets along the East Java coast of Indonesia and the associated risk assessment
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Researchers analyzed green mussels from five traditional fish markets along the East Java coast of Indonesia and found microplastic contamination in all samples, primarily in the form of fibers and fragments smaller than 500 micrometers. The polymer hazard index ranged from high to very high across all market locations, and various harmful chemicals associated with plastic production were detected in the mussel tissues. The findings raise health concerns for communities that regularly consume these mussels as a dietary staple.
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