We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in seafood as an emerging threat to marine environment: A case study in Goa, west coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in water, sediment, and shellfish from the Sal estuary in Goa, India. They found microplastics present across all environmental samples, with sediment containing particularly high concentrations. The study highlights that commercially important seafood species in this region are accumulating microplastics, posing potential concerns for both marine ecosystems and human dietary exposure.
The present study exhibits the occurrence of MPs in different matrices (water, sediment and biota) from the Sal estuary, Goa, situated on the central west coast of India. The average numbers of MPs in the water column and sediment were 48 ± 19 MP particles/L (MPs/L) and 3950 ± 930 MP particles/kg (MPs/kg), respectively. In shellfish (whole soft tissue), the average concentrations of MPs were 4 ± 2 (Crassostrea sp.), 3.2 ± 1.8 (Perna viridis) and 0.7 ± 0.3 (Paphia malbarica) MPs/g body weight (bw), respectively. The highest MPs were recorded in finfish (gastro-intestinal tract) (Mugil cephalus)7.8 ± 4, followed by (Gerres filamentosus) 5.3 ± 4.9, (Arius jella) 4.6 ± 2.6, and (Etroplus suratensis)1.4 ± 0.3 MP/g bw. MP fibres were predominant in all matrices. Interestingly, a dominance of small sized (10-300 μm) MPs was recorded in biota. Among the 37 polymer types identified by μ-FTIR, the most prevalent ones were, polyacrylamide (PAM) , polyacetylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide (nylon). Notably, the polymers dominant in the gut of finfish and in whole shellfish were equally prominent in sediment and the water column. This study highlights the presence of MPs in commercially important shellfish and finfish samples from the Sal estuary. This study clearly shows the presence of MPs in various types of marine organisms in the Sal estuary. As shellfish is locally consumed as a delicacy and plays a major role in the seafood industry, the MPs may pose a hazard for human health. There is also an ecological risk as MPs are also found in water and sediment and in the digestive tract of finfish.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of microplastic contamination in clams and shrimp from estuarine environments of Goa: implications for environmental health and food safety
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined clams and shrimp from estuarine environments in Goa, India, and found microplastics present in both species and their surrounding waters, with shrimp from one site showing particularly high contamination and bioaccumulation. The particles were predominantly polyamide, polyethylene, and polystyrene fibers and fragments, likely originating from fishing, tourism, and waste disposal activities. The findings raise concerns about food safety for local and tourist populations who regularly consume seafood from these coastal areas.
Assessment of Microplastic Pollution Across the Malabar Coast, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in water, sediment, and commercially important fish along the Malabar coast in India. They found microplastics in all sample types, with the highest concentrations in fish gastrointestinal and gill tissues, predominantly consisting of fragments and fibers of common plastics like HDPE, PET, and nylon. The study points to direct discharges, runoff, and poor wastewater management as key sources, underscoring the need for regulatory measures to protect both marine ecosystems and the people who consume seafood from the region.
Spatial heterogeneity of microplastic pollution and associated emerging contaminants in tropical estuarine environments: Novel insights into distribution, bioavailability, and ecological risk
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found tiny plastic particles in water, mud, and seafood like shellfish and crabs in two river areas in India. These microplastics carry harmful chemicals and are getting into the food chain, which could affect the safety of seafood that people eat. While the current risk appears low, this research shows we need better policies to reduce plastic pollution to protect both ocean ecosystems and human food sources.
Microplastic Pollution in the Marine Ecosystem: A Study of Seawater and Fish Samples from Bhaucha Dhakka and Versova Beach, Mumbai Coast
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in seawater and commercially harvested fish species from two locations along the Mumbai coast in India. They found microplastics in all water and fish samples, with the highest concentrations at a busy port site and in Bombay duck fish. The discovery of microplastics in fish tissues raises concerns about potential implications for fish health and human consumption of contaminated seafood.
Assessment Of Microplastics In Commercially Important Fishes Collected From Thondi Fish Landing Center
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the presence and characteristics of microplastics in commercially important fish species collected from the Thondi fish landing center in India. The study evaluated microplastic contamination levels in fish obtained from a coastal fishing hub, contributing data on the prevalence of plastic particles in seafood relevant to both ecological and human dietary exposure concerns.
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.