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From a Global Archived Data Perspective: Larger Bivalves Mean More Microplastics?
Xiaohui Wang1,2,3, Khalida Jabeen1,2,3, Lixin Zhu1,2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Hainan Institute of East China Normal University, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|June 4, 2025
Summary
Microplastic (MP) contamination in bivalves is widespread. Larger bivalves accumulate more MPs per individual, but less per gram, with soft tissue weight aiding MP abundance estimation.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Bivalves are a vital global seafood source.
- Microplastic (MP) contamination is documented in bivalves worldwide.
- The influence of bivalve biometric parameters on MP burden is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between bivalve biometric parameters and microplastic burden.
- To estimate global microplastic intake through bivalve consumption.
- To identify reliable parameters for assessing MP contamination in commercial bivalves.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of published data on microplastics in bivalves.
- Global data compilation including 102 species and approximately 40,000 individuals.
- Statistical analysis of correlations between MP abundance and bivalve shell length and soft tissue weight.
Main Results:
- A positive linear correlation between MP abundance (items/individual) and bivalve shell length.
- A negative exponential relationship between MP abundance (items/g) and bivalve shell length.
- Estimated global bivalve dietary intake of 6.39 × 10^12 MPs in 2022.
- Soft tissue wet weight identified as a useful parameter for MP abundance estimation.
Conclusions:
- Bivalve size influences microplastic accumulation patterns.
- Larger bivalves contain more individual microplastics but lower concentrations by weight.
- Soft tissue weight offers a practical metric for market and aquafarm bivalve MP assessment.
- This research provides critical insights into global bivalve microplastic contamination characterization.
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