We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Accumulation of microplastics in typical commercial aquatic species: A case study at a productive aquaculture site in China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic accumulation in commercial fish, bivalves, and shrimp at an intensive aquaculture site in Xiangshan Bay, China. They found microplastics in all species sampled, mostly cellulose and polypropylene fibers, with aquaculture activities contributing to sediment contamination. However, the overall accumulation levels in the seafood were relatively low, suggesting that microplastics may not substantially increase health risks from consuming these species at this site.
The widespread occurrence of microplastics in the marine environment has drawn global attention because microplastics may impact the populations of marine organisms. As such, aquaculture industry may suffer from microplastic pollution, especially when plastic products are widely used for aquaculture. Here, we assessed the abundance and characteristics (type, size and composition) of microplastics in sediment and typical commercial species (fish, bivalves and shrimps) in an aquaculture site at Xiangshan Bay, which has been operated intensively for decades. Satellite remote sensing images revealed that aquaculture activities were associated with microplastic pollution in sediment, where the microplastics (51-88 items/kg dry weight) were mostly fibres (>94%) and between 500 and 2000 µm. Cellulose was the predominant polymer (60-88% of microplastic composition), followed by polypropylene. Microplastics accumulated in all the commercial species (0.95-2.1 items per individual), where shrimp (Parapenaeopsis hardwickii) had lower potential for microplastic accumulation than the other species. The predominance of fibres and cellulose in the commercial species implies their limited ability to recognize the type and composition of microplastics during ingestion. Given the limited accumulation of microplastics in these typical commercial species even at a productive aquaculture site, we suggest that microplastics may not increase the health risk of consuming seafood and their impacts on commercial species may be less deleterious than previously thought.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic pollution in the environment and organisms of Xiangshan Bay, East China Sea: An area of intensive mariculture
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic pollution across water, sediment, and marine organisms in Xiangshan Bay, a major mariculture area in China, finding that intensive aquaculture in the enclosed inner bay concentrated microplastics and that fish ingested more particles than other organisms.
The accumulation of microplastics in fish from an important fish farm and mariculture area, Haizhou Bay, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic accumulation in six wild fish species from Haizhou Bay, a major fish farm and mariculture area in China, examining both digestive and non-digestive tissues. They found microplastics present in all fish species, with variation in abundance depending on species and tissue type. The findings raise concerns about microplastic transfer through aquaculture supply chains and potential implications for seafood safety.
Microplastic contamination in seafood from Dongshan Bay in southeastern China and its health risk implication for human consumption
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in eight popular seafood species from Dongshan Bay in southeastern China and assessed potential human health risks. The study characterized the abundance, size, shape, and polymer type of microplastics found in the seafood samples. The findings suggest that consuming contaminated seafood represents a meaningful exposure pathway for microplastic ingestion, though the specific health implications require further study.
The prevalence and potential implications of microplastic contamination in marine fishes from Xiamen Bay, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastic contamination in nine fish species from Xiamen Bay, China, with abundances of 1-8 items per individual, dominated by fibers (59%) and polymers like polyamide and rayon, highlighting seafood contamination risks.
Microplastic bioaccumulation in estuary-caught fishery resource
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied microplastic accumulation in fish and crustaceans from the Yangtze River estuary, finding that bottom-dwelling organisms and crustaceans accumulated significantly more microplastics than open-water fish. The study found that microplastics in fish accumulated in skin, gills, and internal organs rather than muscle tissue, with most particles being cellulose and polyethylene terephthalate fibers between 0.1 and 1 mm in length.
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.