Microplastics (MPs) contamination has emerged as a significant environmental threat that may disrupt the ecological functions of coastal systems. Despite this, there is a distinct lack of comprehensive research regarding microplastic bioaccumulation in A. granosa within Indonesia, one of the world's largest contributors to marine plastic pollution. Addressing this knowledge gap is vital for assessing the potential dietary risks these bivalves pose to human health. This study aims to investigate variations of MPs in A. granosa influenced by body size and habitat together with assessing ecological risks and potential human dietary exposure. A total of 150 specimens were collected from five locations, with MPs characteristic shape, color, and size identified via stereo microscopy and polymer types determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Statistical analyses (ANOVA, correlation, and PCA) revealed that MPs accumulation was significantly influenced by both locations and organism size ( p < 0.05). Notably, large specimens exhibited nearly double the MPs concentration of smaller individuals, specifically regarding fibers, fragments, and particles in the <100 μm and 200–1000 μm classes. Location WA (West Aceh), the industrial zone, recorded the highest contamination levels. PCA established a strong correlation between fragments, gray coloration, and particles <100 μm, while Polyethylene (PE) was identified as the predominant polymer (57.82%). Risk assessments utilizing the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) categorized the organisms as Level II (High) and Level V (Most Hazardous), respectively. Furthermore, annual human dietary intake from consuming A. granosa was estimated to range from 6240 to 46,800 MPs particles/individual/year across various age groups. These findings provide critical baseline data for assessing the ecotoxicological impacts of MPs and highlight the urgent need for effective marine conservation and public health strategies in Indonesia. • Larger individuals of Anadara granosa exhibited higher microplastic ingestion. • Polyethylene (PE) was the dominant polymer type, accounting for 57.82% of total microplastic abundance. • Estimated annual human dietary intake from A. granosa consumption ranged from 6240 to 46,800 microplastic particles per individual. • All of specimens were classified as Level V (Extreme Danger) based on Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) assessment.
Iqbal et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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