We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic contamination in Bivalves: An assessment of potential health risks to humans and bivalves in the Tam Giang Lagoon
Summary
Researchers analysed microplastic contamination in three bivalve species from Tam Giang Lagoon in Vietnam, finding 291 MP particles across 36 specimens, with clams showing the highest burden (67% of total MPs). The findings indicate significant human dietary MP exposure from lagoon bivalves and call for monitoring of this food source.
Abstract This study investigates microplastic (MPs) contamination in the tissues of three bivalve species - mussels ( Sinanodonta woodiana ), green mussels ( Perna viridis ), and clams ( Corbicula subsulcata ) - collected from Tam Giang Lagoon. A total of 36 specimens were analyzed, revealing 291 MPs particles, with clams accounting for the majority (67.01%), followed by mussels (21.31%) and green mussels (11.68%). The mean MPs concentration in clams reached 3.09 MPs particles/g. In comparison, mussels and green mussels contained 0.41 and 0.67 MPs particles/g, respectively. MPs were predominantly small-sized (< 0.5 mm), with fibers being the most common shape up to 94.12% in green mussels. Black was the predominant color, especially in mussels (77.42%) and green mussels (73.53%), whereas white was the most dominant color observed in clams (41.03%). These findings suggest species-specific differences in accumulation patterns and raise concerns about potential human exposure through seafood consumption, especially in areas where bivalves are widely consumed.