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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Plastics on the Half Shell
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.
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.
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.
Microplastic on our plate, also in our shops…
Belgian researchers investigated whether microplastics are actually present in wild and farmed bivalves under field conditions, rather than only at the unrealistically high concentrations used in lab studies. They found microplastics in both wild and cultured mussels and oysters, providing the first direct evidence that these seafood species accumulate microplastics at environmentally relevant levels.
Occurrence, sources and potential human health risk of microplastics in seafood species
Researchers measured microplastic occurrence in seafood products available in local markets, identifying plastics in multiple species including fish, shrimp, and bivalves, and estimated potential human dietary intake based on consumption data. The study found that seafood lovers could ingest thousands of microplastic particles per year through regular consumption, with shellfish representing the highest per-serving exposure.
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.
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.
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.
Microplastics in coastal and marine environments: A critical issue of plastic pollution on marine organisms, seafood contaminations, and human health implications
This review highlights the serious threat microplastics pose to marine life and the millions of people who depend on seafood as a primary protein source. Marine organisms, especially filter-feeders like oysters and mussels, accumulate microplastics that can cause tissue damage, oxidative stress, immune changes, and behavioral problems. Since these shellfish are often eaten raw, any toxins they accumulate -- including microplastics -- pass directly to humans.
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.
Microplastic pollution in marine bivalves, surface water and sediments from an aquaculture in Portugal and possible intake by humans
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in oysters, clams, surface water, and sediments at a Portuguese shellfish farm and estimated the resulting daily human intake from consuming these organisms. Diploid oysters and clams had higher microplastic levels than triploid oysters, and seasonal differences in accumulation were observed. The study provides practical estimates of how much microplastic people may consume through shellfish, contributing to ongoing efforts to quantify dietary exposure.
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.
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.
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.
Presence of Microplastics in Four Types of Shellfish Purchased at Fish Markets in Okayama City, Japan.
Scientists found microplastics in all four types of shellfish—oysters, clams, scallops, and mussels—purchased from fish markets in Okayama, Japan. The findings confirm that people who eat shellfish regularly ingest microplastics, raising questions about potential health impacts from this dietary exposure.
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.
Direct and indirect effects of microplastics on bivalves, with a focus on edible species: A mini-review
This mini-review examined direct and indirect pathways by which microplastics affect bivalves including mussels, oysters, and clams, finding evidence that microplastics impair physiology, alter immune responses, and act as vectors for chemical pollutants. The authors highlight microplastics as an emerging threat to bivalve populations and seafood safety.
Are bivalves a source of microplastics for humans? A case study in the Brazilian markets
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.
Microplastics in the edible tissues of shellfishes sold for human consumption
Researchers analyzed the edible tissues of four shellfish species sold for human consumption and found microplastics present in all samples examined. Fibers were the most commonly detected particle type, with polymer identification confirming synthetic origins including polyethylene and polypropylene. The findings raise concerns about human dietary exposure to microplastics through commercially available seafood products.
Microplastics in Seafood: How Much Are People Eating?
This meta-analysis pools data from multiple studies to estimate how many microplastic particles people consume through seafood each year. While scientists are still uncertain whether eating microplastics directly harms human health, early research in animals suggests potential effects on the gut and immune system. The study highlights that seafood is a significant source of microplastic exposure for many people worldwide.
Microplastics in marine mussels, biological effects and human risk of intake: A case study in a multi-stressor environment
Researchers tracked microplastic contamination in mussels from the Douro estuary in Portugal across seasons and estimated that people who eat mussels from this area consume about 2,400 to 2,650 microplastic particles per year. While the contamination levels were relatively low compared to other studies, the mussels still showed signs of biological stress. This study provides one of the first direct estimates of how many microplastics people ingest through shellfish consumption.
Microplastics in Fish and Shellfish – A Threat to Seafood Safety?
This review evaluated the current knowledge on microplastic contamination in fish and shellfish in relation to seafood safety. Researchers found that while microplastics are commonly detected in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish (which are typically not consumed), bivalves and small fish eaten whole may present a more direct route of human exposure, though the overall health risk from microplastics in seafood remains uncertain.
Preliminary survey on the occurrence of microplastics in bivalve mollusks marketed in Apulian fish markets
Researchers surveyed mussels and oysters sold at fish markets in the Apulia region of Italy and found microplastics present in all samples tested. Mussels contained nearly three times more plastic debris than oysters, with small fragments under 500 micrometers being the most common. The findings raise food safety concerns because these shellfish are typically consumed whole, meaning all ingested microplastics are passed directly to the consumer.
Micro and Nanoplastics size distribution in mussel tissues: first evidence, identification, and quantification in the nanogram range
Italian researchers used a highly sensitive mass spectrometry technique to detect and quantify both microplastics and nanoplastics in farmed mussels, finding plastic particles in every sample tested. Nanoplastics in the 20–200 nm range were present in substantial quantities, and the authors estimate that European seafood consumers could ingest over 2 milligrams of nanoplastics per year through mussel consumption alone. This is one of the first studies to directly quantify nanoplastics in a commonly eaten seafood, raising significant concerns about dietary exposure.