Occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals accumulation in native oysters Crassostrea Gasar in the Paranagu´a estuarine system, Brazil

The ubiquitous presence of contaminants in the marine environment is considered a global threat to marine organisms. Heavy metals and microplastics are two distinct classes of pollutants but there are interactions between these two stressors that are still poorly understood. We examined the potential relationship between heavy metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Ba, Hg, Pb) and microplastic particles in oysters sampled along the Paranagu?a Estuarine System. The results suggested high levels of As and Zn in the bivalves, which are destined for human consumption. Microplastic particles were found in oysters from all sampled locations, demonstrating the spread of this pollutant in the marine environment and its ability to bioaccumulate in oysters. However, our data did not demonstrate a direct relationship between microplastics and heavy metals, suggesting that these particles are not the main route for heavy metal contamination of oysters in the Paranagu?a Estuarine System.

Automated summary

The study found high levels of heavy metals and microplastic particles in oysters from the Paranagu?a Estuarine System. While microplastics were present in oysters from all sampled locations, there was no demonstrated direct relationship between microplastics and heavy metals, indicating that microplastic particles may not be the main route for heavy metal contamination of oysters in the system.