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Microplastic contamination in natural mussel beds from a Brazilian urbanized coastal region: Rapid evaluation through bioassessment
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Researchers used the mussel Perna perna as a bioindicator to assess microplastic contamination in the Santos estuary, Brazil's most urbanized coastal region. The study found that 75% of sampled mussels had ingested microplastics, providing a rapid bioassessment method and raising concerns about both environmental and human health implications in this heavily populated area.
Microplastic pollution (particles <5mm) is a widespread marine threat and a trigger for biological effects, especially if ingested. The mussel Perna perna, an important food resource, was used as bioindicator to investigate the presence of microplastic pollution on Santos estuary, the most urbanized area of the coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. A simple and rapid assessment showed that 75% of sampled mussels had ingested microplastics, an issue of human and environmental concern. All sampling points had contaminated mussels and this contamination had no clear pattern of distribution along the estuary. This was the first time that microplastic bioavailability was assessed in nature for the southern hemisphere and that wild P. perna was found contaminated with this pollutant. This is an important issue that should be better assessed due to an increase in seafood consumption and culture in Brazil and worldwide.
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination in oysters, clams, and mussels from a heavily urbanized estuary in Brazil, finding that industrial and port activities were stronger predictors of contamination than population density. Clams accumulated the most microplastics, and the study highlights how shellfish from polluted coastal areas can serve as indicators of the microplastic levels humans may be exposed to through seafood.
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Researchers used filter-feeding bivalves as biological monitors to assess microplastic contamination across 28 marine protected areas along a heavily populated stretch of coastline in southeastern Brazil. They found microplastics in bivalves from all sites surveyed, demonstrating that protected status alone does not shield marine areas from plastic pollution. The study highlights how diffuse, transboundary plastic contamination reaches even designated conservation zones.
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Researchers documented microplastic contamination for the first time in the invasive dark false mussel in a coastal lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Microplastics were found in all mussel samples, with fibers and fragments being the most common types, and thirteen different polymer types were identified. The study suggests this widespread filter-feeding species could serve as a useful bioindicator for monitoring microplastic pollution in coastal waters.
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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.