Sciences marines : recherche et développement

Abstrait

Microplastic In Cultured Oysters from Different Coastal Areas of Japan

Liu Yang, Masahiro Nakaoka, Takashi Matsuishi, Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Helena Fortunato

Marine pollution caused by microplastics has become a serious social issue nowadays. Studies in Europe comparing the amount of microplastics contained in seafood by type and place of origin show that mollusks from Asia are the most heavily contaminated. This study was aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in the coastal waters of Japan. For this, we quantitatively analyzed the presence of microplastics in oysters using Raman scattering, optical, and digital microscopic observations. Nylon, polypropylene, and high-density polyethylene were confirmed by Raman spectra in oysters. Fibrous microplastics are the most commonly found. Our results will be used further to assess the potential impact of microplastics on marine biodiversity and possible threats to human food safety.

Highlights

• Microplastic uptake was identified in cultured oysters from twelve sites in Japan.

• It is first study on microplastics from Japanese oysters.

• Microplastic types were found including nylon, polypropylene, and high-density polyethylene.

• Fibrous microplastics were the most commonly found.