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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics in bivalves cultured for human consumption
ClearMicroplastic 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.
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.
Plastics on the Half Shell
Researchers found that people who regularly eat oysters, mussels, and other bivalves may be consuming thousands of microplastic particles annually, based on Belgian studies measuring microplastics in commercially farmed shellfish. The findings provided the first direct evidence that microplastics enter the human diet through seafood consumption.
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.
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.
Microplastics in mussels sampled from coastal waters and supermarkets in the United Kingdom
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in mussels from U.K. coastal waters and supermarkets and found anthropogenic debris in every sample tested. Wild mussels contained up to 2.9 debris items per gram of tissue, while supermarket mussels showed lower but still consistent contamination levels. The study confirms that microplastics are prevalent in commercially available shellfish, representing a direct pathway for human dietary exposure.
Microplastics levels in cultured or harvested mollusks non-depurated and commercially depurated at different times
Researchers measured microplastic levels in three species of commercially available bivalve mollusks at different depuration stages and found that fibers made up over 90% of the detected particles. Standard commercial depuration reduced microplastic content by 26-50% depending on the species, but extending the depuration period did not significantly improve removal rates. The study estimates that annual human consumption of these mollusks results in the ingestion of several meters of microplastic fibers per year.
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.
Prevalence and Distribution of Microplastics in Oysters from the Mississippi Sound
Scientists measured microplastic levels in oysters from ten locations across the Mississippi Sound along the Gulf Coast. They found microplastics in every sample, with concentrations ranging from about 5 to 31 particles per gram of oyster tissue, and plastic particles were present in all tissue types examined. Since oysters are filter feeders consumed by both wildlife and people, the findings point to microplastics as a concern for both ecosystem and food safety.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 contents from maricultured and natural mussels
Researchers compared microplastic content in maricultured and wild mussels from Italian waters and found no significant difference between the two sources, with all recovered particles being filaments. The study estimates that consuming raw mussels could result in a median intake of 6 to 7 microplastic items per gram, highlighting a consistent route of human dietary exposure regardless of whether mussels are farmed or wild-caught.
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.
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.
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.
The Presence of Microplastics in Shellfish: A Review
This literature review synthesizes studies on microplastic presence in shellfish across global aquaculture and wild harvest settings, finding widespread contamination across species and highlighting ingestion during filter feeding as the dominant uptake route.
Are microplastics impacting shellfish?
Researchers investigated whether microplastic contamination measurably impacts shellfish physiology, growth, reproduction, and health outcomes, assessing the ecological and food safety implications of microplastic exposure in commercially and ecologically important bivalve species.
Oysters and mussels as equivalent sentinels of microplastics and natural particles in coastal environments
Researchers compared how oysters and mussels accumulate microplastics in a polluted Brazilian estuary and found both species performed equally well as biological monitors of contamination. Some of the highest microplastic levels ever recorded in shellfish were found at the most polluted sites. Since oysters and mussels are widely consumed as seafood, these contamination levels raise direct concerns about human microplastic exposure through shellfish consumption.