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Ingestion and depuration of polyester microfibers by Crassostrea gasar (Adanson, 1757).
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Researchers exposed the oyster Crassostrea gasar to environmentally sourced polyester microfibers at 0.5 mg/L and found accumulation in gill and digestive gland tissues, with evidence of clearance after a depuration period, raising concerns about microfiber effects on bivalve aquaculture.
The study aimed to obtain environmentally relevant microfibers (MFs) from polyester fabric and assess their impact on the oyster Crassostrea gasar. MFs were obtained by grinding the fabric, and their accumulation in oysters gills and digestive glands was analyzed after exposure to 0.5 mg/L for 2 and 24 h. Additionally, a 48 h depuration was conducted on the oysters exposed for 24 h. Sublethal effects were assessed in oysters exposed for 24 h and depurated for 48 h, using biomarkers like Catalase (CAT), Glutathione S-transferase (GST), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), along with histological analyses. Polyester fabric grinding produced significant MFs (average length: 570 μm) with degraded surface and increased malleability. Oysters showed increased MF accumulation in digestive glands post-exposure, with no impact on antioxidant enzymes. Depuration decreased MFs accumulation. Histological analysis revealed accumulation in the stomach and brown cells, possibly indicating inflammation. This raises concerns about MFs bioaccumulation in marine organisms, impacting the food chain and safety.
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Impact of textile microfiber ingestion on the tissue integrity of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar.
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Researchers exposed mangrove oysters to four textile microfiber types — including polyester and organic cotton — and found that polyester accumulated most heavily in the digestive gland, while all fiber types caused significant gill tissue atrophy, mucocyte proliferation, and histological lesions within 21 days, indicating that fiber composition and concentration both drive structural damage in bivalves.
Do Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Microplastics Pose a Threat to the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea Virginica?
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This study exposed eastern oysters to polyester microfibers at environmentally realistic concentrations for 45 days, finding that even low doses affected their physiology including feeding, growth, and energy use. The results suggest that ecologically relevant microplastic levels may pose a threat to commercially important filter-feeding shellfish.
Microfiber Content in Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from Morro Bay, California
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Researchers measured microfiber contamination in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from Morro Bay, California, to assess exposure levels in a commercially important shellfish species. Microfibers were detected in oysters across sampling sites, with concentrations varying by location and season, indicating consistent exposure to synthetic fiber pollution in this coastal environment.
Microplastics exposure in European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis: Evaluation of accumulation and depuration under controlled conditions and molecular assessment of a set of reference genes
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Researchers assessed microplastic exposure, accumulation, and depuration in European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis), a species of conservation and aquaculture interest. Oysters accumulated microplastics efficiently and required extended depuration periods to substantially reduce body burdens, with implications for food safety.
First register of microplastic contamination in oysters (Crassostrea gasar) farmed in Amazonian estuaries
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This is the first study to document microplastic contamination in farmed oysters from the Amazon region of Brazil, finding that 58% of the oysters contained microplastics, mainly nylon fibers. The particles accumulated most in the oysters' digestive glands and reproductive organs. Since oyster farming is an important food source and livelihood in the Amazon, the findings highlight a need for better monitoring and depuration systems to reduce human exposure to microplastics through shellfish.
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