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Low concentrations and low spatial variability of marine microplastics in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in a rural Georgia estuary
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A survey of oysters from a rural Georgia estuary found relatively low microplastic concentrations and limited spatial variation compared to more urbanized coastal areas, suggesting that land use and population density influence plastic contamination levels in shellfish. The findings provide baseline data for this understudied region and support oysters as useful biomonitors.
Microplastics are an emerging concern for the health of marine ecosystems. In the southeastern US, the filter-feeding Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is susceptible to microplastic ingestion. We quantified the distribution of microplastics within adult oysters (harvestable size >7.5 cm) from 28 reefs throughout a rural estuary with limited riverine inputs (St. Catherines Sound, Georgia). To determine which variables best predict microplastic concentration in oysters, we also quantified oyster recruitment, distance to ocean, fetch, and water body width. Oysters averaged 0.72 microplastic particles per individual (0.18 particles per gram wet mass); microfragments and microplastics were equally abundant. Although microplastic concentrations were low, multivariate models identified a positive effect of water body width on the site-level concentration of plastic microfibers; average microfragment length was affected by fetch. Our work informs a growing understanding of microplastic distribution in coastal estuaries, providing an important rural contrast to the urbanized estuaries that have been examined.
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The relationship between microplastics in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and surrounding environmental compartments in Long Island Sound
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This study measured microplastics in eastern oysters, water, marine snow, and sediment in Long Island Sound and found low overall concentrations, with sediment having the most plastic. Few polymer types were shared between oysters and the surrounding environment, suggesting oysters are not efficient indicators of local microplastic pollution despite being widely used as biomonitors. The results help refine what kinds of plastic particles reach seafood consumers versus what remains in the broader environment.
Microplastic Content in Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from South Carolina, USA
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Researchers analyzed microplastic content in oysters, water, and sediments from four estuaries in South Carolina, USA, quantifying contamination levels across these matrices in the commercially important Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica.
MICROPLASTICS FOUND IN THE EASTERN OYSTER (Crassostrea virginica) AND THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT
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Eastern oysters and surrounding water and sediment samples were collected from a US estuary and analyzed for microplastic content. Microplastics were found in both oysters and environmental matrices, though the oysters did not accumulate particles proportionally to environmental concentrations, suggesting selective ingestion. The study contributes to understanding how commercially important bivalves interact with microplastics in their natural habitat and what this means for seafood safety.
Contamination by microplastics in oysters shows a widespread but patchy occurrence in a subtropical estuarine system
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in oysters across a subtropical estuarine system and found widespread but highly variable levels of pollution. Higher contamination generally correlated with areas of greater human activity, though unexpectedly high levels were also found in remote marine protected areas. The study found that 94 percent of oyster samples contained microplastics, suggesting these bivalves could serve as indicators of environmental contamination.
Low incidence of microplastic contaminants in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas Thunberg) from the Salish Sea, USA
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Researchers examined wild Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from the Salish Sea in Washington State and found a relatively low incidence of microplastic contamination, with approximately 63% of oysters containing microparticles at an average of about 1.75 particles per individual. The results suggest that microplastic burden in this commercially important shellfish may be lower than reported in more heavily polluted regions.
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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.