The Contamination of Microplastics in Mussel (Mytilus edulis), and Oyster (Crassostrea gigas): A Case Study from a Fish Market, Chonburi Province
Abstract
Contamination of plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters, known as microplastics, is a crucial global issue due to its possible negative impacts on the environment and human health. Currently, microplastics are found in seafood, especially in bivalves usually eaten whole without gut removal; hence, microplastics can enter the human body through the food chain. Although microplastic contamination in bivalves has been found in many countries worldwide, the information on microplastic contamination in bivalves sold in big fish markets in Thailand is still limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to gain a better understanding of microplastic contamination in domestic oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and mussels (Mytilus edulis) which are widely consumed by Thai people and sold in a major fish market in Thailand. The results revealed that the microplastic contamination in the mussels was approximately 9±3.55 particles/g or 46.60±15.70 particles/individual, and in the oysters was approximately 9.5±0.71 particles/g or 49.60±10 particles/individual. The average sizes of microplastics were 0.64±0.36 mm in the mussels and 0.28±0.22 mm in the oysters. The dominant shape of microplastics was the fragments found in both bivalves, accounting for 66.67% while another 33.33% was fiber found only in oysters. The microplastics found were black, white, and blue. Polyethylene (PE) and Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon: PTFE), two of the most detected microplastics, were found for about 50% in oysters and 25% in mussels. Additionally, Styrene (SAN), Polystyrene (PS) were found only in mussels for about 25%. In conclusion, this study indicated that the oysters and mussels sold in the top fish market in Thailand were highly contaminated with microplastics. Accordingly, the results from this study can be used to support further studies on exposure assessment and health risk assessment from ingestion of microplastics contaminated in the bivalves commonly consumed in Thailand. Keywords : contamination ; fish market ; microplastic ; mussel ; oysterReferences
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Birnstiel, S., Soares-Gomes, A. & Gama, B.A.P.da. (2019). Depuration reduces microplastic content in wild and farmed mussels. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 140, 241 - 247.
Browne, M.A., Dissanayake, A., Galloway, T.S., Lowe, D.M. & Thompson, C.R. (2008). Ingested microscopic plastic translocate to the circulatory system of the mussel, Mytilusedulis (L). Environmental Science and Technology, 42(13), 5026-5031.
Cauwenberghe, L.V. & Janssen, C.R. (2014). Microplastics in bivalves cultured for human consumption. Environmental Pollution, 193, 65-70.
Cho, Y., Joon, W.J., Jang, M., Han, G.M. & Hong, S.H. (2019). Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in market bivalves from South Korea. Environmental Pollution, 245, 1107-1116.
Claessens, M., L. van Cauwedberghe, M. B. Vandegehuchte & C. R. Janssen. (2013). New techniques for the detection of microplastics in sediments and field collected organisms. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 70,
227-233.
Coastal and Mangrove Forest Resources Research and Development Institute & Faculty of Marine Technology Burapha University. (2014). Survey and classification of Marine Waste samples in the category of Micro-Plastics. Chon Buri: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. (in Thai)
Cole, M., Lindeque, P., Halsband, C. & Galloway, T.S. (2011). Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: a review. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 62, 2588 - 2597.
Cole, M., H. Webb, P. K. Lindeque, E. S. Fileman, C. Halsband & T. S. Galloway. (2014). Isolation of microplastics in biota-rich seawater samples and marine organisms. Scientific Reports, 4, 4528-4536.
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Detree, C. & Escarate, C. G. (2018). Single and repetitive microplastics exposures induce immune system modulation and homeostasis alteration in the edible mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 83, 52-60.
Enders, K., R. Lenz, S. Beer & C. A. Stedmon. (2017). Extraction of microplastic from biota: recommended acidic digestion destroys common plastic polymers. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 74, 326-331.
Eriksson, C. & Burton, H. (2003). Origins and biological accumulation of small plastic particles in fur seals from
Macquarie Island. Ambio, 32(6), 380-384.
Fang, C., Zheng, R., Chen, H., Hong, F., Lin, L., Lin, H., Guo, H., Bailey, C., Segnerc, H., Mu, J., & Bo, J. (2019). Comparison of microplastic contamination in fish and bivalves from two major cities in Fujian province, China and the implications for human health. Aquaculture, 512, 734322.
Farady, S. E. (2019). Microplastics as a new, ubiquitous pollutant: Strategies to anticipate management and advise seafood consumers. Marine Policy, 104, 103-107.
Feng, D. J., Xi, L. J., Jun, S. C., Fei, H. C., Hua, J. F., Lei, G. F., & Li, Z. (2018). Separation and Identification of Microplastics in Digestive System of Bivalves. Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 46, 690 - 697.
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Hurley, R. R., Lusher, A. L., Olsen, M., & Nizzetto, L. (2018). Validation of a method for extracting microplastics from complex, organic-rich, environmental matrices. Environmental Science and Technology, 52,
7409-7417.
Khemsawat W. (2016). Microplastics from cosmetics to food contaminants. Thai Journal of Toxicology, 31(1),
50-61. (in Thai)
Leslie, H.A. & Depledge M.H. (2020). Where is the evidence that human exposure to microplastics is safe?. Environment International, 142,105807.
Li, J., Yang, D., Li, L., Jabeen, K., & Shi, H. (2015). Microplastics in commercial bivalves from China. Environmental Pollution, 207, 190-195.
Lusher, A. L., N. A. Welden, P. Sobral & M. Cole. (2017). Sampling, isolation and identifying microplastic ingested by fish and invertebrates. Analytical Methods, 9, 1346-1360.
Masura, J., Baker, J., Foster, G. & Arthur, C. (2015). Laboratory methods for the analysis of microplastics in the marine environment: recommendations for quantifying synthetic particles in waters and sediments. NOAA Technical Memorandum. NOS-OR&R-48.
Mathalon, A., & Hill P. (2014). Microplastic fibers in the intertidal ecosystem surrounding Halifax Harbor Nova Scotia. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 81(1), 69-79.
MSFD. (2013). Guidance on Monitoring of Marine Litter in European Seas. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
Munno, K., Helm, P. A., Jackson, D. A., Rochman, C. & Sims, A. (2018). Impacts of temperature and selected chemical digestion methods on microplastic particles. Environmental Chemistry, 37, 91-98.
Napper, I.E., Bakir, A., Rowland S.J. & Thompson, R.C. (2015). Characterisation, quantity and sorptive properties of microplastics extracted from cosmetics. Marine Pollution Bulletin.
National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards. (2016). Food Consumption Data of Thailand. Bangkok: Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. (in Thai)
OSPAR. (2009). Marine litter in the North-East Atlantic Region: Assessment and priorities for response. London: OSPAR Commission.
Panebianco, A., Nalbone, L., Girratana, F.& Ziino, G. (2019). First discoveries of microplastics in terrestrial snails. Food control, 106, 106722.
Phuong, N. N., Poirier, L., Pham, Q.T., Lagarde, F. & Vergnoux, A.Z. (2018). Factors influencing the microplastic contamination of bivalves from the French Atlantic coast: Location, season and/or mode of life?. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 129, 664-674.
Plastic Waste Management Subcommittee. (2018). Draft action plan for plastic waste management (2018-2037). Retrieved December 20, 2019, from http://nscr.nesdb.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/National-Strategy-Eng-Final-25-OCT-2019.pdf
Prata, J.C., Costa J.P.da., Lopes, I., Duarte, A.C. & Santos T.R. (2020). Environmental exposure to microplastics:
An overview on possible human health effects. Science of the Total Environment, 702, 134455.
Provenza, F., Piccardo, M., Terlizzi, A. & Renzi, M. (2020). Exposure to pet-made microplastics: Particle size and pH effects on biomolecular responses in mussels. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 156, 111228.
Ragusa, A., Svelato, A., Santacroce, C., Catalano, P., Notarstefano, V., Carnevali, O., Papa, F., Rongioletti, M.C.A., Baiocco, F., Drafhi, S., D’Amore, E., Rinaldo, D., Matta, M. & Giorgini, E. (2021). Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environment International, 146, 106274.
Rahman, A., Sarkar, A., Yadav, O.P., Achari, G. & Slobodnik, J. (2021). Potential human health risks due to environmental exposure to nano and microplastics and knowledge gaps: A scoping review. Science of the Total Environment, 757, 143872.
Rochman, C.M., Tahir, A., Williams, S. L., Baxa D. V., Lam, R., Miller, J. T., Teh, F. C., Werorilangi, S., & The, S. J. (2015). Anthropogenic debris in seafood: Plastic debris and fibers from textiles in fish and bivalves sold for human consumption. Article in Scientific Reports, 5(1), 1-10.
Scott, N., Porter, A., Santillo, D., Simpson, H., Williams, S.L., & Lewis, C. (2019). Particle characteristics of microplastics contaminating the mussel Mytilus edulis and their surrounding environments. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 146, 125-133.
Senathirajah, K., Attwood, S., Bhagwat, G., Carbery, M., Wilson, S. & Palanisami, T. (2021). Estimation of the mass of microplastics ingested - A pivotal first step towards human health risk assessment. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 404, 124004.
Tangchaiwattana, S. (2017). Type of Plastic. Bangkok: Physics and Engineering Project Department of Science Service. (in Thai)
Thitithanakorn, S. (2000). Plastic waste is waiting for the recycling industry. 53 Interesting mechanical techniques that set 7. Bangkok: M&E. (in Thai)
Thomas, M., Jon, B., Craig, S., Edward, R., Ruth, H., John, B., Dick, V.A., Heather, L.H., & Matthew, S. (2020).
The world is your oyster: low-dose, long-term microplastic exposure of juvenile oysters. Heliyon, 6(1), e03103.
Thushari, G.G.N., Senevirathna, J.D.M., Yakupitiyage, A. & Chavanich, S. (2017). Effects of microplastics on sessile invertebrates in the eastern coast of Thailand: An approach to coastal zone conservation.
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 124, 349-355.
U.S.EPA . (2012). Marine Debris Sources. U.S. EPA. Retrieved July 15, 2019, from http://water.epa.gov/type
/oceb/marinedebris/md_sources.
UNEP. (2016). UNEP Frontiers 2016 Report: Emerging Issues of Environmental Concern. Nairobi : United Nations Environment Programme.
Walkinshaw, C., Lindeque, P.K., Thompson, R., Tolhurst, T. & Cole, M. (2020). Microplastics and seafood: lower trophic organisms at highest risk of contamination. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 190, 110066.
WHO. (2019). Microplastics in drinking-water. Geneva: World Health Organization.
Wright, S.L., Thompson, R.C., & Galloway, T.S. (2013). The physical impacts of microplastics on marine organisms: A review. Environmental Pollution, 178, 483-492.
Anthony, A.L. (2011). Microplastics in the marine environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 62(8), 1596-1605.
Birnstiel, S., Soares-Gomes, A. & Gama, B.A.P.da. (2019). Depuration reduces microplastic content in wild and farmed mussels. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 140, 241 - 247.
Browne, M.A., Dissanayake, A., Galloway, T.S., Lowe, D.M. & Thompson, C.R. (2008). Ingested microscopic plastic translocate to the circulatory system of the mussel, Mytilusedulis (L). Environmental Science and Technology, 42(13), 5026-5031.
Cauwenberghe, L.V. & Janssen, C.R. (2014). Microplastics in bivalves cultured for human consumption. Environmental Pollution, 193, 65-70.
Cho, Y., Joon, W.J., Jang, M., Han, G.M. & Hong, S.H. (2019). Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in market bivalves from South Korea. Environmental Pollution, 245, 1107-1116.
Claessens, M., L. van Cauwedberghe, M. B. Vandegehuchte & C. R. Janssen. (2013). New techniques for the detection of microplastics in sediments and field collected organisms. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 70,
227-233.
Coastal and Mangrove Forest Resources Research and Development Institute & Faculty of Marine Technology Burapha University. (2014). Survey and classification of Marine Waste samples in the category of Micro-Plastics. Chon Buri: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. (in Thai)
Cole, M., Lindeque, P., Halsband, C. & Galloway, T.S. (2011). Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: a review. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 62, 2588 - 2597.
Cole, M., H. Webb, P. K. Lindeque, E. S. Fileman, C. Halsband & T. S. Galloway. (2014). Isolation of microplastics in biota-rich seawater samples and marine organisms. Scientific Reports, 4, 4528-4536.
Crawford, C.B. & Quinn, B. (2017). The interactions of microplastics and chemical pollutants. Elsevier, 131 - 157.
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. (2014). Guide to Marine Debris and International Coastal Cleanup. Bangkok: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (in Thai)
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. (2018). Chonburi marine and coastal resources information. Bangkok: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (in Thai)
Detree, C. & Escarate, C. G. (2018). Single and repetitive microplastics exposures induce immune system modulation and homeostasis alteration in the edible mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 83, 52-60.
Enders, K., R. Lenz, S. Beer & C. A. Stedmon. (2017). Extraction of microplastic from biota: recommended acidic digestion destroys common plastic polymers. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 74, 326-331.
Eriksson, C. & Burton, H. (2003). Origins and biological accumulation of small plastic particles in fur seals from
Macquarie Island. Ambio, 32(6), 380-384.
Fang, C., Zheng, R., Chen, H., Hong, F., Lin, L., Lin, H., Guo, H., Bailey, C., Segnerc, H., Mu, J., & Bo, J. (2019). Comparison of microplastic contamination in fish and bivalves from two major cities in Fujian province, China and the implications for human health. Aquaculture, 512, 734322.
Farady, S. E. (2019). Microplastics as a new, ubiquitous pollutant: Strategies to anticipate management and advise seafood consumers. Marine Policy, 104, 103-107.
Feng, D. J., Xi, L. J., Jun, S. C., Fei, H. C., Hua, J. F., Lei, G. F., & Li, Z. (2018). Separation and Identification of Microplastics in Digestive System of Bivalves. Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 46, 690 - 697.
GESAMP. (2019). Guidelines for the monitoring and assessment of plastic litter in the ocean. London: GESAMP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection.
Goh, P.B., Pradit, S., Towatana, P., Khokkiatiwong, S. & Azad , S.M.O. (2019). Microplastics in green mussel Perna viridis from Singhanakorn District, Songkhla Province, Thailand. In Proceeding the 34th ANAP Annual Conference 2019 on “Climate Change Adaptation – The Challenging Role of Higher Education Institutions”. November 10 - 14 2019, Naresuan University, Thailand.
Huang, W., Song, B., Liang, J., Niu, Q., Zeng, G., Shen, M., Deng, J., Luo, Y., Wen, X. & Zhang, Y. (2021). Microplastics and associated contaminants in the aquatic environment: A review on their ecotoxicological effects, trophic transfer, and potential impacts to human health. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 405, 124187.
Hurley, R. R., Lusher, A. L., Olsen, M., & Nizzetto, L. (2018). Validation of a method for extracting microplastics from complex, organic-rich, environmental matrices. Environmental Science and Technology, 52,
7409-7417.
Khemsawat W. (2016). Microplastics from cosmetics to food contaminants. Thai Journal of Toxicology, 31(1),
50-61. (in Thai)
Leslie, H.A. & Depledge M.H. (2020). Where is the evidence that human exposure to microplastics is safe?. Environment International, 142,105807.
Li, J., Yang, D., Li, L., Jabeen, K., & Shi, H. (2015). Microplastics in commercial bivalves from China. Environmental Pollution, 207, 190-195.
Lusher, A. L., N. A. Welden, P. Sobral & M. Cole. (2017). Sampling, isolation and identifying microplastic ingested by fish and invertebrates. Analytical Methods, 9, 1346-1360.
Masura, J., Baker, J., Foster, G. & Arthur, C. (2015). Laboratory methods for the analysis of microplastics in the marine environment: recommendations for quantifying synthetic particles in waters and sediments. NOAA Technical Memorandum. NOS-OR&R-48.
Mathalon, A., & Hill P. (2014). Microplastic fibers in the intertidal ecosystem surrounding Halifax Harbor Nova Scotia. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 81(1), 69-79.
MSFD. (2013). Guidance on Monitoring of Marine Litter in European Seas. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
Munno, K., Helm, P. A., Jackson, D. A., Rochman, C. & Sims, A. (2018). Impacts of temperature and selected chemical digestion methods on microplastic particles. Environmental Chemistry, 37, 91-98.
Napper, I.E., Bakir, A., Rowland S.J. & Thompson, R.C. (2015). Characterisation, quantity and sorptive properties of microplastics extracted from cosmetics. Marine Pollution Bulletin.
National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards. (2016). Food Consumption Data of Thailand. Bangkok: Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. (in Thai)
OSPAR. (2009). Marine litter in the North-East Atlantic Region: Assessment and priorities for response. London: OSPAR Commission.
Panebianco, A., Nalbone, L., Girratana, F.& Ziino, G. (2019). First discoveries of microplastics in terrestrial snails. Food control, 106, 106722.
Phuong, N. N., Poirier, L., Pham, Q.T., Lagarde, F. & Vergnoux, A.Z. (2018). Factors influencing the microplastic contamination of bivalves from the French Atlantic coast: Location, season and/or mode of life?. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 129, 664-674.
Plastic Waste Management Subcommittee. (2018). Draft action plan for plastic waste management (2018-2037). Retrieved December 20, 2019, from http://nscr.nesdb.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/National-Strategy-Eng-Final-25-OCT-2019.pdf
Prata, J.C., Costa J.P.da., Lopes, I., Duarte, A.C. & Santos T.R. (2020). Environmental exposure to microplastics:
An overview on possible human health effects. Science of the Total Environment, 702, 134455.
Provenza, F., Piccardo, M., Terlizzi, A. & Renzi, M. (2020). Exposure to pet-made microplastics: Particle size and pH effects on biomolecular responses in mussels. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 156, 111228.
Ragusa, A., Svelato, A., Santacroce, C., Catalano, P., Notarstefano, V., Carnevali, O., Papa, F., Rongioletti, M.C.A., Baiocco, F., Drafhi, S., D’Amore, E., Rinaldo, D., Matta, M. & Giorgini, E. (2021). Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environment International, 146, 106274.
Rahman, A., Sarkar, A., Yadav, O.P., Achari, G. & Slobodnik, J. (2021). Potential human health risks due to environmental exposure to nano and microplastics and knowledge gaps: A scoping review. Science of the Total Environment, 757, 143872.
Rochman, C.M., Tahir, A., Williams, S. L., Baxa D. V., Lam, R., Miller, J. T., Teh, F. C., Werorilangi, S., & The, S. J. (2015). Anthropogenic debris in seafood: Plastic debris and fibers from textiles in fish and bivalves sold for human consumption. Article in Scientific Reports, 5(1), 1-10.
Scott, N., Porter, A., Santillo, D., Simpson, H., Williams, S.L., & Lewis, C. (2019). Particle characteristics of microplastics contaminating the mussel Mytilus edulis and their surrounding environments. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 146, 125-133.
Senathirajah, K., Attwood, S., Bhagwat, G., Carbery, M., Wilson, S. & Palanisami, T. (2021). Estimation of the mass of microplastics ingested - A pivotal first step towards human health risk assessment. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 404, 124004.
Tangchaiwattana, S. (2017). Type of Plastic. Bangkok: Physics and Engineering Project Department of Science Service. (in Thai)
Thitithanakorn, S. (2000). Plastic waste is waiting for the recycling industry. 53 Interesting mechanical techniques that set 7. Bangkok: M&E. (in Thai)
Thomas, M., Jon, B., Craig, S., Edward, R., Ruth, H., John, B., Dick, V.A., Heather, L.H., & Matthew, S. (2020).
The world is your oyster: low-dose, long-term microplastic exposure of juvenile oysters. Heliyon, 6(1), e03103.
Thushari, G.G.N., Senevirathna, J.D.M., Yakupitiyage, A. & Chavanich, S. (2017). Effects of microplastics on sessile invertebrates in the eastern coast of Thailand: An approach to coastal zone conservation.
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 124, 349-355.
U.S.EPA . (2012). Marine Debris Sources. U.S. EPA. Retrieved July 15, 2019, from http://water.epa.gov/type
/oceb/marinedebris/md_sources.
UNEP. (2016). UNEP Frontiers 2016 Report: Emerging Issues of Environmental Concern. Nairobi : United Nations Environment Programme.
Walkinshaw, C., Lindeque, P.K., Thompson, R., Tolhurst, T. & Cole, M. (2020). Microplastics and seafood: lower trophic organisms at highest risk of contamination. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 190, 110066.
WHO. (2019). Microplastics in drinking-water. Geneva: World Health Organization.
Wright, S.L., Thompson, R.C., & Galloway, T.S. (2013). The physical impacts of microplastics on marine organisms: A review. Environmental Pollution, 178, 483-492.
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2021-09-07
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