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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics levels in cultured or harvested mollusks non-depurated and commercially depurated at different times
ClearMicroplastics in bivalves cultured for human consumption
Researchers examined two commercially farmed bivalve species, mussels and oysters, and found microplastics in the edible tissues of both. Mussels contained an average of 0.36 particles per gram of tissue, while oysters had 0.47 particles per gram. Since these shellfish are consumed whole without removing the gut, the study suggests they represent a direct pathway for human ingestion of microplastics.
Depuration reduces microplastic content in wild and farmed mussels
Wild and farmed mussels from Guanabara Bay, Brazil were found to contain microplastics, and a 96-hour depuration period significantly reduced but did not fully eliminate microplastic content. The study demonstrates that depuration can reduce microplastic burden in commercially sold shellfish, with important implications for seafood safety.
Efficacy of microplastic depuration on two commercial oyster species from the west coast of Ireland
A 96-hour depuration experiment with 50 individuals each of Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) and European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) from Ireland showed that extended depuration significantly reduced microplastic concentrations in edible tissue — from 0.6 to 0.2 particles per gram in Pacific oysters and from 0.4 to 0.1 particles per gram in flat oysters. Notably, over half of the particles identified were natural fibers rather than synthetic plastics. The results suggest that lengthening standard commercial depuration times beyond 72 hours could meaningfully reduce microplastic levels in oysters sold for human consumption.
Development and optimization of a standard method for extraction of microplastics in mussels by enzyme digestion of soft tissues
Researchers optimized methods for digesting mussel soft tissue and extracting microplastics for analysis, finding that sodium hydroxide and enzymatic digestion both achieved high recoveries (~93%) while acid digestion damaged certain plastic types. The validated method provides a reliable protocol for monitoring microplastic contamination in commercially important bivalves.
Levels of microplastics and their characteristics in molluscs from North-West Mediterranean Sea: Human intake
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in commercially consumed mollusks along the Catalan coast of the Mediterranean Sea, finding microplastics in all species tested. Large oysters and mussels had the highest concentrations at around 19 to 23 particles per individual. Based on typical consumption patterns, the study estimated that the local adult population ingests an average of over 8,000 microplastic particles per year through mollusk consumption alone.
Towards Risk Assessments of Microplastics in Bivalve Mollusks Globally
Researchers compiled data from 22 countries to assess the risk of microplastic contamination in bivalve mollusks such as mussels and oysters. While most countries showed relatively low pollution levels, the chemical composition of the microplastics found in bivalves varied widely, with some polymers posing greater health concerns than others. The study estimates that regular consumption of contaminated bivalves could represent a meaningful pathway for human microplastic exposure.
Assessing Microplastic Contamination and Depuration Effectiveness in Farmed Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas)
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in farmed Pacific oysters from Portugal's Lima estuary and tested whether commercial and laboratory depuration reduces microplastic levels. Contamination was higher in autumn than winter, all microplastics found were fibers (polyethylene terephthalate dominant), and depuration reduced but did not eliminate microplastic loads.
Microplastics in Mollusks: Research Progress, Current Contamination Status, Analysis Approaches, and Future Perspectives
This review synthesizes 77 studies (2010-2021) on microplastic contamination in mollusks, finding that polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene are the most common polymers in bivalves, with most particles under 500 µm in size and a positive correlation between seawater and mollusk MP abundance.
Exploring microplastics in commercial bivalve species and in bivalve aquaculture waters: Insights from the southern Pacific
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.
Microplastic Depuration in Two Commercially Farmed Oyster Species from the West Coast of Ireland
Researchers assessed microplastic depuration efficacy in Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) and European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) from Irish aquaculture over four depuration periods from 24 to 96 hours. MP concentrations in edible tissue were significantly reduced after 96-hour depuration in both species, with FTIR analysis revealing that over half of isolated fibers were of natural rather than synthetic origin.
Microplastic pollution in commercially important edible marine bivalves: A comprehensive review
This review summarizes research on microplastic contamination in edible shellfish like mussels, clams, and oysters, which accumulate high levels of plastic particles in their tissues. Because bivalves are eaten whole including their digestive systems, they are a direct pathway for microplastics to enter the human body. While microplastics do not appear to kill shellfish outright, they can harm their immune systems and reproduction, potentially affecting both shellfish populations and human consumers.
Assessment and Analysis of Microplastics in Commercially Sold Bivalves from Los Baños, Laguna, and Lipa, Batangas, Philippines
Researchers extracted and characterized microplastics from three commercially sold bivalve species (green mussel, Manila clam, and freshwater clam) purchased at Philippine markets, finding contamination ranging from 0.52 to 2.94 microplastic particles per gram fresh weight with fibers being the most common type.
Microplastic contamination in marine mussels from the Atlantic coast of North Portugal and human risk of microplastic intake through mussel consumption
Researchers analyzed wild mussels from Portugal's Atlantic coast and found microplastics in all samples, with an average of about 1.6 particles per gram of mussel tissue. Based on typical Portuguese seafood consumption patterns, the estimated annual human intake of microplastics from mussels alone was calculated, highlighting that regular shellfish consumers face meaningful microplastic exposure through their diet.
An overview of microplastics in oysters: Analysis, hazards, and depuration
This review summarized microplastic analysis methods, hazards, and depuration strategies in oysters, highlighting that microplastics serve as carriers for contaminants and that depuration periods can significantly reduce microplastic loads in oyster tissues.
The fate of microplastics during uptake and depuration phases in a blue mussel exposure system
A controlled exposure system tracked the fate of polystyrene microplastic beads in blue mussels during uptake and depuration phases, showing that mussels accumulated beads in the digestive gland and that depuration cleared most but not all particles over 24 hours. The mass balance approach provides a rigorous method for quantifying microplastic retention in bivalves.
Microfibers in Mytilus species(Mollusca, Bivalvia)from Southern California Harbors, Beaches, and Supermarkets
This study found microplastic fibers in both wild and farmed mussels from Southern California harbors, beaches, and supermarkets, with fibers present in the majority of samples. The presence of microfibers in commercially sold mussels confirms that these filter feeders are a direct route for human consumption of microplastics through everyday seafood.
Microplastics contamination and risk assessment in bivalves of economic importance from Beypore estuary, Southern India
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in green mussels and clams from the Beypore estuary in southern India and found widespread contamination, with fibers being the most common particle type. They calculated health risk indices for people who regularly eat these shellfish and found the risk was currently low but worth monitoring. Since bivalves are eaten whole, including their digestive systems, they represent a direct pathway for microplastics to enter the human diet.
The impact of microplastics on bivalve mollusks: A bibliometric and scientific review
This review examines how microplastics affect bivalve shellfish like mussels, oysters, and clams, which are important both ecologically and as human food sources. Microplastics disrupt bivalve feeding, growth, reproduction, and immune function, and can also carry other toxic pollutants into their tissues. Since bivalves filter large volumes of water and are often eaten whole by humans, they represent a direct pathway for microplastic transfer from the ocean to our bodies.
Pollution Characteristics of Microplastics in Mollusks from the Coastal Area of Yantai, China
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in ten mollusk species collected from the Yantai coastal area of China, finding MPs in all species with bivalves containing more than gastropods and fibers as the dominant type, and estimating human dietary exposure through shellfish consumption.
Extraction and identification of microplastics from mussels: Method development and preliminary results
Scientists developed and validated a method for extracting and identifying microplastics from mussel tissue, then applied it to measure contamination in commercially harvested mussels. The method produced reliable, reproducible results, providing a practical tool for monitoring microplastic levels in one of the world's most widely consumed shellfish.
The occurrence and exposure of microplastics in bivalves from Qingdao, China
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 exposure in European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis: Evaluation of accumulation and depuration under controlled conditions and molecular assessment of a set of reference genes
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.
Microplastics contamination in molluscs from the northern part of the Persian Gulf
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 ingestions by wild and aquaculture marine bivalves: A systematic review on field investigation study
This systematic review of 33 studies found that shellfish like mussels, oysters, and clams from both wild and farmed sources contain microplastics. Since many people eat these shellfish whole, including their digestive systems, this represents a direct pathway for microplastic ingestion by humans.