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Microplastics contamination in molluscs from the northern part of the Persian Gulf
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Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in five species of mollusks from the northern Persian Gulf, including both gastropods and bivalves with different feeding strategies. They found microplastics in all species, with concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 21 particles per gram of soft tissue, and fibers were the most common type. The study indicates that microplastic contamination is widespread in Persian Gulf seafood and that filter-feeding organisms tend to accumulate more particles.
Microplastics (MPs) are well-known emerging contaminants in the marine environment. A key route by which MPs can directly affect marine life is through ingestion. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of MPs in marine life and seafood for human consumption in the Persian Gulf. We conducted a whole body analysis of MP (between 10 and 5000 μm in diameter) abundance in five species of molluscs with different feeding strategies, including both gastropods and bivalves from the littoral zone of the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf. The mean number of total encountered MPs in all species ranged from 0.2 to 21.0 particles per g of soft tissue (wet weight) and from 3.7 to 17.7 particles per individual. Overall, microfibres followed by fragments were the most common type of MP isolated in each species (respectively > 50% and ≈26%). Film (≈14%) and pellets (≈2%) were less commonly observed. The observed MPs were classified into three size groups (ca. 10-25 μm, 25-250 μm and 250-5000 μm), and 37-58% of MPs fell into the smallest size group. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the presence of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon (PA). Our results indicated that molluscan shellfish from the Persian Gulf contain MPs, with higher concentrations in a predatory species, suggesting trophic transfer of MPs in the food web. The consumption of edible species may be a source of human microplastic intake. We compared our results with those previously reported for other regions of the world and identified the need for further studies in the Persian Gulf.
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Abundance and characteristics of microplastic in some commercial species from the Persian Gulf, Iran
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Scientists examined microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts of five commercially important fish and shellfish species from the Persian Gulf, finding plastic particles in nearly 73 percent of all individuals sampled. Microfibers were the most common type, making up about 58 percent of particles found, and polymer analysis identified polypropylene and polyethylene as the dominant plastics. The study highlights that seafood from the Persian Gulf region is widely contaminated with microplastics, raising concerns about potential exposure for human consumers.
Occurrence, abundance and characteristics of microplastics in some commercial fish of northern coasts of the Persian Gulf
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Microplastics were found in muscle, liver, gill, and gastrointestinal tissues of 14 commercially fished species from the northern Persian Gulf, with gastrointestinal tissues showing the highest contamination and muscle tissue showing very low levels, suggesting limited translocation from gut to edible flesh in most species.
Microplastic occurrence in selected aquatic species of the Persian Gulf: No evidence of trophic transfer or effect of diet
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in six fish species, one mollusk, and three crustacean species from the Persian Gulf, finding no evidence of trophic transfer of microplastics or dietary effects on contamination levels across species.
Investigating microplastics bioaccumulation and biomagnification in seafood from the Persian Gulf: a threat to human health?
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Researchers investigated microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification in five commercially important seafood species from the Persian Gulf, examining both muscle tissue and gills. They found microplastics present in all species, with evidence suggesting potential trophic transfer through the marine food web. The study estimates that regular consumption of these seafood species could represent a notable pathway for human microplastic exposure in the region.
Microplastics in different tissues of fish and prawn from the Musa Estuary, Persian Gulf
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Researchers analyzed multiple tissues of commercially important fish and prawns from the Persian Gulf and found microplastics present in guts, skin, muscle, gills, and liver across all species examined. The type and abundance of microplastics varied by species and sampling location, with bottom-dwelling fish accumulating the most particles. The findings are notable because they show microplastics penetrate beyond the digestive tract into edible muscle tissue, which is directly relevant to human consumption.
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