Microplastic contamination in Bivalves: An assessment of potential health risks to humans and bivalves in the Tam Giang Lagoon

Abstract This study investigates microplastic (MPs) contamination in the tissues of three bivalve species - mussels (Sinanodonta woodiana), green mussels (Perna viridis), and clams (Corbicula subsulcata) - collected from Tam Giang Lagoon. A total of 36 specimens were analyzed, revealing 291 MPs particles, with clams accounting for the majority (67.01%), followed by mussels (21.31%) and green mussels (11.68%). The mean MPs concentration in clams reached 3.09 MPs particles/g. In comparison, mussels and green mussels contained 0.41 and 0.67 MPs particles/g, respectively. MPs were predominantly small-sized (< 0.5 mm), with fibers being the most common shape up to 94.12% in green mussels. Black was the predominant color, especially in mussels (77.42%) and green mussels (73.53%), whereas white was the most dominant color observed in clams (41.03%). These findings suggest species-specific differences in accumulation patterns and raise concerns about potential human exposure through seafood consumption, especially in areas where bivalves are widely consumed.