We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessing microplastic accumulation in the hepatopancreas of marine and freshwater crabs from the North-East Part of the Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic contamination in the hepatopancreas of three edible crab species from the Bay of Bengal region, including two marine species and one freshwater species. They found that the freshwater crab had the highest microplastic counts, averaging nearly four particles per sample, and identified nine different polymer types across all species. The findings raise concerns about human exposure to microplastics through seafood consumption in the region.
Abstract Microplastic pollution significantly impacts both marine and freshwater ecosystems, posing a growing concern for aquatic organisms and food safety. This research focuses on comparing microplastic contamination in the hepatopancreas of three edible crab species: two marine—the giant mud crab ( Scylla serrata ) and the blood-spotted swimming crab ( Portunus sanguinolentus )—and one freshwater species ( Parathelphusa convexa ). These crabs are widely consumed and play an important role in local fisheries and diets. Thirty adult crabs were collected from three sites in the coastal areas of North-East Bay of Bengal and nearby freshwater ponds. Analysis of the hepatopancreas showed average microplastic counts of 0.97 for Scylla serrata , 0.93 for Portunus sanguinolentus , and 3.84 for Parathelphusa convexa . Confocal Raman spectroscopy identified nine different types of microplastics, likely including polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyurethane (PUR), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) , which pose risks to aquatic life and human health. These pollutants, which persist in the environment, can disrupt ecosystems and may cause immune system damage and chronic diseases in humans. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) showed that the giant mud crab is most vulnerable to microplastic pollution, with a PLI of 2.31—significantly above the threshold of 1, indicating considerable pollution. This study highlights the urgent need for strategies to mitigate microplastic contamination, considering the health risks linked to consuming contaminated crabs.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in different tissues of wild crabs at three important fishing grounds in China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in different tissues of four wild crab species from three major fishing grounds in China. They found microplastics present across crab tissues, with variations in abundance and characteristics depending on species and fishing location. The findings raise concerns about human exposure to microplastics through the consumption of commercially important crab species.
Ingestion and polymeric risk assessment of microplastic contamination in commercially important brachyuran crab Portunus sanguinolentus
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in a commercially important crab species from three fishing harbors in India and found plastics in every location sampled. The crabs contained an average of 0.67 microplastic particles per gram, with polyethylene and polystyrene among the most common types, and pollution levels rated as very high risk at all sites. Since these crabs are widely eaten, the findings suggest that seafood consumers may be regularly ingesting microplastics.
Microplastics in Scylla Serrata: A baseline study from southwest India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the mud crab Scylla serrata from mangrove habitats on India's southwestern coast and found an average of about 29 microplastic particles per individual. Fibers were the dominant type, and polypropylene and polyethylene were the most common polymers detected. The study establishes a baseline for microplastic presence in a commercially important crab species, raising questions about potential human exposure through seafood consumption.
Tissue-specific distribution of microplastics in commercial crab Portunus segnis: a baseline data for sea-food security
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found tiny plastic bits (microplastics) in nearly two-thirds of crabs tested from the Gujarat coast in India, with the highest amounts in the gut and gills, but plastic was also found in the muscle tissue that people actually eat. The most common plastics found were polyethylene and nylon, common materials in packaging and fishing gear. While this study didn't test health effects directly, it adds to growing evidence that seafood lovers may be unknowingly consuming microplastics, making crabs a useful early-warning signal for plastic pollution in our oceans and food supply.
Assessment of microplastic contamination in clams and shrimp from estuarine environments of Goa: implications for environmental health and food safety
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined clams and shrimp from estuarine environments in Goa, India, and found microplastics present in both species and their surrounding waters, with shrimp from one site showing particularly high contamination and bioaccumulation. The particles were predominantly polyamide, polyethylene, and polystyrene fibers and fragments, likely originating from fishing, tourism, and waste disposal activities. The findings raise concerns about food safety for local and tourist populations who regularly consume seafood from these coastal areas.
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.