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Microplastics in wild mussels (Mytilus spp.) from the north coast of Spain
Summary
Mussels from two regions of northern Spain's coastline contained microplastics, with potassium hydroxide digestion recovering significantly more particles than nitric acid digestion. The choice of digestion method substantially affects the number of microplastics detected in seafood, making methodological standardization critical for food safety assessments.
Microplastic content (MPs) in mussels (Mytilus spp.) from two areas of the north coast of Spain was measured for the first time. Additionally, a comparison of microplastic levels observed in mussels digested with nitric acid and with potassium hydroxide was carried out. The average microplastic concentration in mussels digested with nitric acid was significantly lower than that observed in mussels digested with potassium hydroxide (p < 0.05). The average concentration of microplastics in mussels from the Cantabrian Sea (2.55±2.80 MPs g–1 WW) was slightly higher than that in mussels from the Ria of Vigo (1.59±1.28 MPs g–1 WW). Both in the Ria of Vigo and in the Cantabrian Sea the observed pattern of pollution was fitted to the one expected. Consequently, mussels have been confirmed as suitable sentinel organisms for microplastic pollution.