Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a pressing global concern. Oysters are well-known filter feeders who ingest food by filtering microscopic particles suspended in the surrounding water. Along with organic matter, filter-feeding also causes accidental ingestion of MP by oysters. Hence, the aim of the current investigation is to understand the MP contamination in filter-feeding oysters. A total of 500 specimens of oyster collected from the intertidal zone of five sampling locations on the Gujarat coast, India. Specimens underwent analysis following established protocols. Each specimen was found to exhibit MP contamination, showing an abundance of 2.72 ± 1.98 MPs/g. A negative relationship was found between shell length and MP abundance. Predominantly, fibers were documented across all study sites. Black, blue, and red-colored MPs with 1–2 mm sizes were most dominant. MP polymer composition was identified as polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. Findings provide baseline information on levels of MPs contamination, which can be used to monitor future effects of MP pollution.

中文翻译：

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滤食性牡蛎 Saccostrea cuccullata 中的微塑料污染：海洋生态系统的新见解

微塑料（MP）污染已成为全球紧迫的问题。牡蛎是众所周知的滤食动物，它们通过过滤悬浮在周围水中的微小颗粒来摄取食物。除了有机物之外，滤食也会导致牡蛎意外摄入 MP。因此，当前调查的目的是了解滤食性牡蛎中的 MP 污染。从印度古吉拉特邦海岸五个采样点的潮间带采集的牡蛎标本共计500个。样本按照既定方案进行分析。每个样本均被发现存在 MP 污染，丰度为 2.72 ± 1.98 MPs/g。壳长度和 MP 丰度之间存在负相关关系。主要是，所有研究地点都记录了纤维。尺寸为 1-2 毫米的黑色、蓝色和红色 MP 占主导地位。 MP聚合物成分被鉴定为聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯和聚丙烯。研究结果提供了 MP 污染水平的基线信息，可用于监测 MP 污染的未来影响。