Can Microplastics Influence the Accumulation of Pb in Tissues of Blue Crab?

The study of microplastics (MPs) and associated pollutants is essential for a better understanding of some of the factors that threaten marine ecosystems. The main objective of this study was thus to assess Pb distribution and accumulation in the tissues of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) exposed to MPs. Blue crabs were collected from the mouth of the river Segura (Guardamar, Spain) and fed on mussels from two Mediterranean areas with different levels of Pb contamination: Portman Bay and San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia, Spain). In addition, a batch of each group were exposed to MPs. After seven days of exposure, the crabs were euthanised, and tissues and faeces were analysed. The hepatopancreas was found to be the best tissue for measuring Pb concentrations after feeding; muscle tissue did not provide information on environmental quality. The meat (muscle) consumption of blue crabs from zones with high Pb content does not seem to constitute a risk for consumers, although the risk is not totally negated if all soft tissues are ingested. The presence of MPs in the water does not seem to increase the accumulation of Pb in these tissues of C. sapidus.

Automated summary

The study evaluates the distribution and accumulation of lead in blue crab tissues exposed to microplastics, finding that the hepatopancreas is the best tissue for measuring lead concentrations while muscle tissue does not provide environmental quality information. It suggests that consuming blue crab meat from areas with high lead content does not pose a risk to consumers, but there may be a risk if all soft tissues are consumed. Furthermore, it indicates that the presence of microplastics in water does not increase the accumulation of lead in the tissues of C. sapidus.