ASSESSMENT OF MICROPLASTICS CONTAMINATION IN COMMERICIAL CLAMS IN THE COASTAL ZONE OF VIETNAM

Abstract

present in aquaculture farms represent a big issue globally due to their effect on human health. Both vertebrates and invertebrates have been found to ingest microplastics in coastal areas. However, in Vietnam, the impact of microplastics on aquaculture farms is not yet well understood because there has been no research on the presence of microplastics in local clam species even though they are a common food safety concern. This study aimed to understand the ingestion of microplastic contamination in local clam samples of two species (Meretrix lyrata and Tapes dorsatus) from household aquaculture farms. In this study, a total of 182 particles consisting of fibers (67%) was separated and the EVA (18%) was identified. Furthermore, the number of MPs was correlated with the clam's weight and soft tissues during the sample taking. In terms of the distribution of the MPs, efficient management of environmental pollution should be considered in the coastal areas as it is so crucial for human seafood consumption in the long-term future.