Marine pollution with personal protective equipment (PPE) has recently gained major attention. Multiple studies reported the release of microplastics (MPs) and chemical contaminants from face masks, the most used PPE type. However, not much is known concerning the release of phthalate esters (PAEs) in aquatic media, as well as the hazard posed by other types of PPE. In the present study, we investigated the release of MPs and PAEs from face masks and gloves recovered from the environment. The results indicated that both PPEs release MPs comparable to the literature, but higher concentrations were presented by face masks. In turn, the total concentration of six PAEs was higher in gloves than in face masks. The release of these contaminants is exacerbated over time. The present study allows researchers to understand the contribution of PPE to marine pollution while accounting for gloves, a generally overlooked source of contaminants. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.114337

Release of phthalate esters (PAEs) and microplastics (MPs) from face masks and gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic

Occurrence, characteristics, and removal of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants located on the Moroccan Atlantic: The case of Agadir metropolis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are one food source commonly consumed by the community and an important commodity with high economic value. Environmental issues, such as microplastics, have become a worldwide concern for its implications for aquatic organisms, especially oysters. This study aims to identify the microplastics and growth patterns of oysters in Aceh Province, Indonesia’s north and east coasts. This study aims to determine which oysters are suitable for consumption and food health based on research locations along the east-north coast of Aceh Province. METHODS: The locations in this study include nine regencies/cities, which are directly facing the Malacca Straits. Microplastic isolation from oysters using 10 percent potassium hydroxide and incubation process were done to dissolve the organic materials. The growth pattern was analyzed to determine the growth rate of oysters at each study location. FINDINGS: The results of this study showed that oysters in all sampling locations were contaminated with microplastics, with a high prevalence of 48 percent found in Langsa, followed by Aceh Timur and Pidie each (40 percent), Banda Aceh (38 percent), Aceh Utara (32 percent), Aceh Besar and Bireun (30 percent), Lhokseumawe (12 percent), and Aceh Tamiang (8 percent). The analysis of the growth patterns revealed that the growth of oysters at each location was not optimal (b <3 or negative allometric). CONCLUSION: In 500 oyster samples collected, 139 were contaminated with microplastics. The most dominant type of microplastic contaminating oysters is fiber up to 170 particles, followed by films 28 particles, and fragments 19 particles. Negative allometric growth pattern might correlate with microplastics that contaminate the waters and enter the oyster’s digestive organs. The results of this study reveal that oysters consumed by people have been contaminated with microplastics, so stakeholders must carry out socialization for early prevention to be realized. ARTICLE INFO

Microplastic contamination and growth pattern of oyster; Crassostrea gigas in a coastline

Τhis study aims to measure the abundance of microplastic (MP) particles in the soft tissue of mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and pearl oyster (Pinctada imbricata radiata) specimens. Samples were collected at four sites in Greece (Sagiada, Malesina, Elounda, Rhodes) from wild and farmed populations. The identification of MPs was accomplished by Raman spectroscopy. Comparisons were made between the two different species where the two species co-existed (Malesina), between the four study sites (five sampling stations) in relation to P. imbricata radiata individuals, and also in every station for the different MP types found. For the specimens from Malesina, M. galloprovincialis had more MPs in their soft tissue compared to P. imbricata radiata. Microfibers were found in abundance in M. galloprovincialis, while microfragments were found in P. imbricata radiata specimens. The main MP type found in P. imbricata radiata specimens was microfragments in all five sampling stations, and ranged between 1.54 ± 0.63 (Rhodes-baskets) and 3.56 ± 0.35 (Sagiada) MP particles/g. While the samples of mussels and pearl oysters were similar in age, the differences found in the concentrations of MPs appears to be due to their different farming methods and location characteristics concerning the five sampling stations of pearl oysters. This study indicates that the culturing system does not affect MP concentration in bivalves, and further investigation is needed to find the most appropriate method to limit and reduce MPs that end up in the farmed organisms.

/pdf/microplastic-contamination-in-cultured-mussels-and-pearl-1bi88zil.pdf

Microplastic Contamination in Cultured Mussels and Pearl Oysters in Greece

Face mask exposure to environmental conditions: In situ physical and chemical degradation and interaction with marine organisms

Microplastics and linear alkylbenzene levels in oysters Crassostrea gigas driven by sewage contamination at an important aquaculture area of Brazil.

A historical and integrative taxonomic account of mangrove oyster species native to the Atlantic American coast: A re-evaluation of Brazilian Crassostrea species

Thaís Brito Freire

Papers

Microplastics and linear alkylbenzene levels in oysters Crassostrea gigas driven by sewage contamination at an important aquaculture area of Brazil.

A historical and integrative taxonomic account of mangrove oyster species native to the Atlantic American coast: A re-evaluation of Brazilian Crassostrea species