Microplastics in Perna viridis and Venerupis species: assessment and impacts of plastic pollution

Abstract

This study is divided into two parts. The first part aims to verify the presence of microplastics in bivalves, namely Perna viridis and Venerupis spp. using microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The second part explores the knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) of bivalve gleaners on microplastics and plastics. Results of the study confirmed the presence of microplastics in both bivalves, with polyamide fibers being the most common polymer found in the bivalves. The mean size of microplastics found in Perna viridis and Venerupis spp. was 0.25 ± 0.05 mm and 0.33 ± 0.03 mm, respectively. Varying colors and shapes were also observed in both bivalves. Further, results of the KAP showed the lack of knowledge of the gleaners in terms of the basic information about microplastics. Nevertheless, they showed a positive attitude in terms of reducing plastic pollution and perceived coastal waters as important to them. The data on the two parts were used to compute for the estimate of the amount of microplastics that can be transferred to humans through consumption of bivalves, which was found to be 0.003 mg/day.