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20 resultsShowing papers similar to A comparison of microplastics in farmed and wild shellfish near Vancouver Island and potential implications for contaminant transfer to humans
ClearMicroplastics in bivalves and their habitat in relation to shellfish aquaculture proximity in coastal British Columbia, Canada
Researchers compared microplastic concentrations in Manila clams and Pacific oysters grown at commercial shellfish aquaculture sites versus reference beaches in coastal British Columbia, finding that proximity to aquaculture operations influenced microplastic levels in both bivalves and surrounding sediments.
Abundance and characterization of microplastics in wild and cultured blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from Nova Scotia
Researchers quantified and characterized microplastics in wild and cultured blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from Nova Scotia, assessing how plastic contamination varies between farmed and wild bivalves in Canadian coastal waters.
Microplastic Ingestion by Wild and Cultured Manila Clams (Venerupis philippinarum) from Baynes Sound, British Columbia
Researchers documented microplastic quantities in wild and cultured Manila clams from Baynes Sound, British Columbia. The study found that both farmed and wild clams contained microplastics, raising concerns about the transfer of these contaminants through the food web to higher trophic levels, including humans who consume shellfish.
Abundance and distribution of microplastics within surface sediments of a key shellfish growing region of Canada
Microplastics were found across all sediment size classes at shellfish farming sites in British Columbia, Canada, with higher concentrations in finer sediment fractions. The results raise concerns for the safety of bivalves grown in this region and for the broader health of one of Canada's most productive shellfish aquaculture areas.
Microplastic Concentrations in Two Oregon Bivalve Species: Spatial, Temporal, and Species Variability
Pacific oysters and razor clams from Oregon were found to contain microplastics, with concentrations varying by species, location, and season. The findings have direct relevance for human health since both species are commercially harvested and consumed.
Microplastic in oysters: A review of global trends and comparison to southern Australia
Researchers reviewed global studies on microplastics in oysters and conducted their own sampling across eight sites in southern Australia. Globally, 94.4% of oysters contained microplastics, and the study found that wild-caught oysters contained more than double the microplastics of farmed specimens, likely because aquaculture operations tend to be located in cleaner waters.
Low incidence of microplastic contaminants in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas Thunberg) from the Salish Sea, USA
Researchers examined wild Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from the Salish Sea in Washington State and found a relatively low incidence of microplastic contamination, with approximately 63% of oysters containing microparticles at an average of about 1.75 particles per individual. The results suggest that microplastic burden in this commercially important shellfish may be lower than reported in more heavily polluted regions.
Spatio-temporal contamination of microplastics in shellfish farming regions: A case study
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in a major French shellfish farming region over one year, finding that mussels and oysters contained confirmed microplastics with polyethylene and polypropylene as dominant polymer types, varying by site and season.
Aquaculture in the crossroad of microplastic contamination
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in three commercially important shellfish species -- oysters, clams, and mussels -- from aquaculture operations in different climate conditions. They found microplastics present in all species and at all sites, with polyester and polyethylene being the most common types. The study raises awareness that aquaculture practices and equipment may contribute to microplastic contamination in farmed seafood.
Abundance of microplastics at and near a shellfish aquaculture farm: An eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) transplant study
Researchers studied microplastic abundance at a shellfish aquaculture farm in Connecticut by transplanting eastern oysters between the farm and a nearby recreational bed. They found that oysters from both locations contained similar levels of microplastics, suggesting that aquaculture operations may not significantly increase microplastic loads compared to surrounding waters. The study provides useful baseline data on microplastic exposure in commercially farmed shellfish.
An examination of the occurrence and potential risks of microplastics across various shellfish
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.
Distribution and Characteristics of Microplastics in Barnacles and Wild Bivalves on the Coast of the Yellow Sea, China
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in wild barnacles and bivalves along the Yellow Sea coast of China. They found microplastics in all sampled organisms, with fibers being the dominant type, and observed spatial variation in contamination levels across different coastal sites. The study provides baseline data on microplastic pollution in wild shellfish populations that are smaller and potentially more vulnerable than farmed species.
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.
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.
Microplastics in Pacific Northwest Bivalves: Ecological Prevalence, Harvester-Consumer Exposure, and Aquarium Exhibit Outcomes
Researchers quantified microplastics in Pacific oysters and razor clams from 15 coastal sites in Oregon, finding widespread contamination across the Pacific Northwest coast. The study also assessed exposure risks to seafood harvesters and consumers, contributing to understanding of how coastal plastic pollution reaches human food supplies.
Microplastics Contents in Natural and Maricultured Shellfish from Pasir Putih Estuary in Johor, Malaysia
Researchers compared microplastic occurrence in wild and maricultured green mussels from Pasir Putih estuary in Malaysia, finding microplastics in all specimens. Wild mussels contained different microplastic types and abundances compared to maricultured individuals, suggesting that exposure pathways differ between natural feeding and aquaculture pond environments.
Microplastics in four bivalve species and basis for using bivalves as bioindicators of microplastic pollution
Researchers found microplastics in 80% of shellfish samples (scallops, mussels, oysters, and clams) collected across four seasons in Qingdao, China. PVC and rayon fibers were the most common plastic types, with different shellfish species accumulating different sizes and types of particles. Since these shellfish are commonly eaten by people, the findings highlight a direct route for microplastics to enter the human diet through seafood.
Microplastic pollution in wild and aquacultured Mediterranean mussels from the Sea of Marmara: Abundance, characteristics, and health risk estimations
Researchers compared microplastic contamination in wild and commercially farmed mussels from the Sea of Marmara in Turkey. They found microplastics in all mussel samples, with wild mussels containing somewhat different types and amounts compared to aquacultured ones, and fibers being the dominant form in both. The study estimates that regular consumption of these mussels represents a measurable pathway for human exposure to microplastics through seafood.
Microplastics 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.
Microplastics in Pnw, Bivalves, and the Impact on Oceanic Ecosystems and Human Health
This review discusses how microplastics accumulate in bivalves such as oysters and mussels in Pacific Northwest coastal waters, how they move up the food chain, and why seafood consumers in the region may face elevated exposure risks. The paper synthesizes the threat to both marine ecosystem stability and human health from microplastic bioaccumulation in commercially important shellfish.