We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in commercial bivalves from China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastics in commercially sold bivalves from China, finding contamination across multiple species and geographic origins, with implications for human dietary microplastic exposure through shellfish consumption.
We investigated microplastic pollution in 9 commercial bivalves from a fishery market in China. Multiple types of microplastics, including fibers, fragments and pellets, occurred in the tissue of all bivalves. The number of total microplastics varied from 2.1 to 10.5 items/g and from 4.3 to 57.2 items/individual for bivalves. Scapharca subcrenata contained on average 10.5 items/g and exhibited the highest levels of microplastics by weight. Fibers were the most common microplastics and consisted of more than half of the total microplastics in each of the 8 species. In Alectryonella plicatula, pellets accounted for 60% of the total microplastics. The most common size class was less than 250 μm and accounted for 33-84% of the total microplastics calculated by species. Our results suggest that microplastic pollution was widespread and exhibited a relatively high level in commercial bivalves from China. More intensive investigations on microplastics should be conducted in seafood.
More Papers Like This
An examination of the occurrence and potential risks of microplastics across various shellfish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic contamination levels in commercial shellfish from northern (Qingdao) and southern (Xiamen) China, finding microplastics in 70-100% of samples. The study assessed potential human health risks from consuming contaminated shellfish, with microplastic abundances varying across species and geographic locations.
The occurrence and exposure of microplastics in bivalves from Qingdao, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in bivalves such as clams and mussels from the coast of Qingdao, China, and assessed human dietary exposure from eating them. They found an average of about one microplastic particle per individual shellfish, with fibers and rayon being the most common types. The study suggests that regular bivalve consumption in the region contributes to ongoing human microplastic exposure.
Microplastics contamination in bivalves from the Daya Bay: Species variability and spatio-temporal distribution and human health risks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in six species of bivalves from Daya Bay, China, finding microplastics present in 87 to 93% of individuals sampled. Sediment-dwelling bivalves had higher microplastic levels than water-dwelling species, and the types of microplastics found in the shellfish matched those in the surrounding seawater and sediment. A risk assessment based on polymer hazard levels indicated that microplastic contamination in these bivalves may pose health risks to humans who consume them as seafood.
Exploring microplastics in commercial bivalve species and in bivalve aquaculture waters: Insights from the southern Pacific
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were detected in multiple commercially sold bivalve species (such as mussels and oysters) and in nearby inland and coastal waters. Because bivalves are widely eaten by humans, the findings raise direct concerns about microplastic dietary exposure through seafood consumption.
Are bivalves a source of microplastics for humans? A case study in the Brazilian markets
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that all four species of bivalves sold in Brazilian markets contained microplastics, averaging 1.64 particles per gram, confirming that commercially sold shellfish are a source of microplastic exposure for consumers.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.