Efficacy of microplastic depuration on two commercial oyster species from the west coast of Ireland

Studies investigating microplastics (MPs) in marine species have been published over recent decades, including studies on depuration efficacy aquaculture products. This preliminary study investigates the of MPs two commercial oyster from Ireland. The innovative aspects are sampling size (n = 50 per species) and experiment duration (up to 96 h). case organisms Pacific (Magallana gigas) European flat (Ostrea edulis). Prior depuration, mean MP concentration M. gigas edible tissue was 0.6 g−1 while for O. edulis 0.4 g−1. Significant differences concentrations were identified after 96-h 0.2 (p 0.014) edulis, 0.1 0.003). Additionally, no significant correlation established between weight. Polymer identification revealed that 51.6% fibers natural origin. Preliminary results show increasing times beyond 72-h can significantly reduce selected species, which is what being recommended with this baseline study. Further investigation conditions at adequate facilities required. Given relevance low-trophic local economies, provides important information stakeholders.