Microplastics and arsenic speciation in edible bivalves from the coast of China: Distribution, bioavailability, and human health risk

Bivalves, such as oysters and mussels, are exposed to environmental pollutants, like microplastics (MPs) and arsenic (As). This study investigated co-existence and interaction of MPs and As (total As and As species) in two bivalve species from the Chinese coastline. Smaller MPs (20–100 μm) averaged 30.98 items/g, while larger MPs (100–500 μm) averaged 2.98 items/g. Oysters contained more MPs (57.97 items/g) in comparison to mussels (11.10 items/g). In Contrast, mussels had a higher As concentrations (8.36–23.65 mg/kg) than oysters (4.97–11.02 mg/kg). The size and composition of MPs influenced As uptake and speciation in bivalves, with inorganic arsenic (iAs) and methylated arsenic (MMA and DMA) correlating with larger-sized MPs. Polyethylene (PE) may interact with the formation of arsenobetaine (AsB) in oyster. This study provides valuable insights into the interaction of MPs and As in marine ecosystems and highlights their implications for food safety.