Characteristics and potential human health risks of microplastics for commercial shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei from South Yellow Sea Mudflat

Microplastics (MPs) ingestion through shrimp consumption pose potential health risks to humans. This study examined characteristics and risks of MPs in Litopenaeus vannamei collected from South Yellow Sea mudflat. MPs abundance in total soft tissues, pure soft tissues, midgut and hindgut ranged from 5.9 to 8.32, 1.77 to 2.50, 4.13 to 5.82 items/individual, and 0.36 to 0.51, 0.11 to 0.15, 61 to 83.2 items/g. The predominant shape, size, color, and polymer types were fiber, 0.001–0.25 mm, blue, and polypropylene (PP), with corresponding percentages were 42.31%–55.45%, 40.51%–60.22%, 24.71%–36.96%, and 34.11%–42.23%. MPs abundance in shrimps from marine estuaries was significantly higher than in pure mudflat. Annual dietary intake (ADI) and estimated dietary intake (EDI) of MPs from pure soft tissues declined substantially. Polymer risk index (PRI) of total soft tissues was significantly higher than that of pure soft tissues, indicating a considerable reduction in potential human health risks when midgut and hindgut are excluded from consumption. This study provides first characterization and risks of MPs for Litopenaeus vannamei from South Yellow Sea mudflat, potential health risks from consuming total or pure soft tissues of shrimp were comprehensively assessed to improve understanding of MP exposure pathways and plan strategies.