Microplastic Contamination Research Articles

Co-exposure to microplastics and soil pollutants significantly exacerbates toxicity to crops: Insights from a global meta and machine-learning analysis

Environmental contamination of microplastics (MPs) is ubiquitous worldwide, and co-contamination of arable soils with MPs and other pollutants is of increasing concern, and may lead to unexpected consequences on crop production. However, the overall implications of this combined effect, whether beneficial or detrimental, remain a subject of current debate. Here, we conducted a global meta and machine-learning analysis to evaluate the effects of co-exposure to MPs and other pollutants on crops, utilizing 3346 biological endpoints derived from 68 different studies. Overall, compared with control groups that only exposure to conventional soil contaminants, co-exposure significantly exacerbated toxicity to crops, particularly with MPs intensifying adverse effects on crop morphology, oxidative damage, and photosynthetic efficiency. Interestingly, our analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the accumulation of pollutants in the crop due to the presence of MPs. In addition, the results revealed that potential adverse effects were primarily associated with crop species, MPs mass concentration, and exposure duration. Our study reaffirms the substantial consequences of MPs as emerging pollutants on crops within the context of integrated pollution, providing novel insights into improving sustainability in agro-ecosystems.

Bio-templated micromotors for simultaneous adsorption and degradation of microplastics

Microplastic contamination has increasingly become a focus of public attention due to its ubiquity on earth. As the appearance of microplastics in the human body has raised great concerns about their effects on human health, it is imperative to develop efficient technologies to remove microplastics. In this work, taking advantage of the hollow structure of kapok fibers and low-cost MnO2 catalyst, a tubular self-driven micromotor was synthesized for simultaneous adsorption and degradation of microplastics. Functionalization with polydopamine endowed the micromotors with the ability of on-the-fly capture of microplastics. Attributed to the enhanced diffusion caused by the self-propulsion, the propelled micromotors exhibited an adsorption efficiency 3.41 times that of static micromotors, achieving a removal ratio of 73.57 % in 1 mg/mL polystyrene microspheres dispersion in 30 min without external stirring, which poses a prospective approach for in-situ removal of microplastics. In addition, coupling with photocatalytic CdS, the formed CdS/PDA heterojunction could generate photo-induced charge carriers, which together with the active species produced through the Fenton-like processes contributed to the degradation of microplastics. This work proposed a new platform for the simultaneous adsorption and degradation of microplastics and may provide implications for the removal of microplastics in the environment.

Microplastic Contamination in Aquafeed Ingredients Used as Protein and Carbohydrate Sources.

The current study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of microplastics in feed ingredients commonly used as protein and carbohydrate (energy) sources to understand and mitigate microplastic contamination. Microplastics average was 1.27, 0.69, 2.85, 0.55, 0.07, and 0.17 particle g- 1 in fishmeal, soybean meal, poultry by-products, rice bran, wheat bran, and wheat flour, respectively. Notably, poultry by-products demonstrated significantly higher microplastic levels than other ingredients (p < 0.05). The dominant microplastic shape was microfibers, with prevalent sizes ranging from 500 to 1000μm. We estimated that packaging materials are a significant source of pollution due to the high presence of polypropylene and other polymers. Top aquaculture species with the greatest microplastic exposure risk include the Catla catla, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, and Oreochromis niloticus. This research extends our knowledge of microplastic pathways, contributes to improving aquafeed quality, and provides the basis for determining the risk of microplastic exposure in aquafeed.

Distribution and co-occurrence of microplastics and co-existing pollutants in bottom water and sediment of the East China Sea

Microplastics (MPs) contamination in marine environment has been an emerging issue worldwide, notably due to the potential ecological risks of MPs with co-existing environmental contaminants and released toxic plastic additives. To verify the co-occurrence characteristics of MPs and co-existing pollutants in the benthic boundary layer (BBL), the distribution characteristics of MPs, and selected heavy metals (HMs) and halogenated flame retardants (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs, and Dechlorane Plus) in the bottom water and sediment were comprehensively investigated in the East China Sea (ECS). The sampling sites were selected along the coast of ECS, where might be significantly affected by terrigenous inputs and anthropogenic sources. MPs were abundant in the bottom water (62.8–480.2 items/L) and sediment (80.1–1346.7 items/kg d.w.) with polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene being as the most abundant types and characterized as fiber/line, particle size 200–500 μm, and transparent/white. The abundance and characteristics of MPs demonstrated strong correlations within the bottom water and sediment, which might be due to the frequent exchange of materials. In addition, the abundance of MPs was significantly positively correlated with HMs (Cd, Cr, Pb) in the bottom water and PBDEs in sediment, respectively. According to the scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis, MPs might act as carriers to transport and co-sediment the co-existing pollutants in water, and physically adsorb or chemically bind with pollutants in sediment. These results could help to elucidate the sources, migration, and fate, and verify the occurrence and potential risks of MPs and their co-existing pollutants in BBL, thus realize the management and control of MPs contamination in marine.

Primary risk assessment of microplastic pollution in spineless cuttlefish (Sepiella inermis) from the North-East Bay of Bengal: A tissue-based analysis

Microplastic pollution has a significant threat to marine ecosystems, yet its impact on spineless cuttlefish (Sepiella inermis) remains under-researched. This study aims to address this gap by analysing microplastic contamination in Sepiella inermis from the North-East Bay of Bengal. This species is widely consumed and transported globally as food, thus holding significant health concerns. A total of 40 adult female cuttlefish were collected from two sampling sites (18°36′31.35″N 87°48′10.63″E and 15°43′35.37″N 88°12′07.01″E) in the Bay of Bengal. Tissue samples from tentacles, gut, and nidamental glands were analysed for microplastic content, alongside sediment and surface water samples. Parameters such as microplastic abundance, size, shape, and colour were recorded. The average abundance of microplastic particles was measured at 2.003 particles per gram in tentacle tissue, 2.31 particles per gram in gut tissue, and 0.99 particles per gram in nidamental gland tissue. The gut tissue exhibited the highest abundance of microplastics per gram. Chemical characterization using FT-IR and confocal Raman spectroscopy identified 11 types of microplastic polymers. Of the 11 types of plastic polymers identified, PVC was the most prevalent, accounting for 17.64 % of the microplastics found across all tissues. PVC microplastics can cause significant harm to marine life and human health by accumulating in the food chain and releasing harmful chemicals like phthalates, which can lead to endocrine disruption. ABS, PET, PP, PE, and PA microplastic polymers are highly persistent in environment, leading to long-term pollution in oceans. When ingested by marine organisms, they can disrupt entire ecosystems. In humans, the accumulation of these microplastics can impair the immune system and contribute to chronic diseases. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) was calculated for each tissue type, revealing that gut tissue is more prone to microplastic pollution compared to the nidamental gland and tentacles. The average PLI per gram of gut tissue was 2.26, which was significantly higher than 1, indicating substantial pollution. This research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution, given the potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated marine species.

The Effect of Weathering Conditions in Combination with Natural Phenomena/Disasters on Microplastics’ Transport from Aquatic Environments to Agricultural Soils

Concern over microplastics (MPs) in the environment is rising. Microplastics are generally known to exist in aquatic settings, but less is known about their occurrence in soil ecosystems. When plastic waste builds up in agricultural areas, it can have a negative impact on the environment and food sources, as well as have an indirect effect on all trophic levels of the food chain. This paper addresses the relationship between microplastics and the management of plastic waste, which contributes to their accumulation, and it describes the sources and the movement processes of microplastics in agricultural soils as a result of natural events and disasters. Evaluating the impact of weather on coastal microplastic contamination is critical, as extreme weather events have become more frequent in recent years. This study sheds light on how weather patterns affect the dispersion of plastic waste in terrestrial habitats, including the impacts of seasonality and extreme weather. According to the results of this review, typhoons, monsoons, rainfall, and floods contribute significantly more microplastics to the surface sediment through surface runoff and wind transport, particle redistribution caused by agitated waves, and fragmentation under intense abrasion forces. Severe weather conditions have the potential to disperse larger and more varied kinds of microplastics.

Microplastic and heavy metal contamination in sediments of the high-altitude Nundkol Lake of northwestern Himalayas-Kashmir

This study investigates heavy metal and microplastic contamination in the sediment of Nundkol Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake in the northwestern Himalayas. Sediment analysis revealed heavy metal concentrations significantly exceeding background levels, with average concentrations of cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and chromium (Cr) recorded at 40.991 ppm, 54.434 ppm, 87,843.59 ppm, 1544.566 ppm, 83.288 ppm, 16.312 ppm, 104.571 ppm, and 106.514 ppm, respectively. Notably, the highest levels of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Pb were observed in sample GL2, indicating potential local geochemical anomalies. The trace elements were quantified using a Graphite Furnace - Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer-PinAAcle 900AA) for high precision.Microplastic analysis revealed an average abundance of 76±12.08 items/kg dry weight, predominantly fibers. The microplastics were mostly red (55.26 %), blue (36.84 %), orange (5.26 %), and green (2.63 %). Raman spectroscopy identified Polyamides (PA) as the predominant type (86.5 %), with the remainder being Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP). The results suggest tourism, fishing, and trekking activities as major contributors to microplastic presence. This study uniquely combines the assessment of heavy metal and microplastic contamination in a high-altitude lake, providing a comprehensive view of pollutant dynamics. The findings highlight the need for tailored mitigation strategies and comprehensive monitoring programs to protect this fragile region. Applications include informing environmental policy, guiding pollution mitigation efforts, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. This study offers valuable insights into the environmental health of high-altitude lakes and underscores the need for efforts to mitigate anthropogenic impacts.

AI-guided investigation of biochar’s efficacy in Pb immobilization for remediation of Pb contaminated agricultural land

This study evaluated the lead (Pb) immobilization efficiency of biochar in contaminated agricultural soil. The biochar was produced from a range of major biomass residues and pyrolyzed under well-controlled conditions. Ten different types of standard biochar samples were derived from five different feedstocks (i.e., softwood, miscanthus straw, rice husk, oilseed rape straw, wheat straw) and pyrolyzed at 550 ℃ and 700 ℃. Pb-contaminated soil near an abandoned mine was incubated with 2.5% (w w− 1) of biochar. Incubation was conducted for various durations at room temperature under both short-term (21 days) and long-term (214 days) conditions. This variation explicitly accounted for the simulated microplastic contamination during the long-term incubation period. A novel framework has been developed to predict the long-term immobilization effect of various biochar types using a machine-learning approach, following the successful identification of optimal biochar implementations. This prediction method utilizes a small on-field dataset by employing a data augmentation approach, showcasing an innovative approach to forecasting the effects of different biochar types over time. After the incubation period, soil samples were analyzed for their chemical properties. As a result, oil seed rape biochar was the highest in pH, EC, exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+, total nitrogen content, soil organic matter content, and available phosphate. In return, OSR 700 treated soils showed the highest content of exchangeable cations and the lowest content of available Pb after the incubation period. The most efficient biochar for immobilizing lead (Pb) in soil appears to be OSR 700, based on the available evidence.

Microplastic contamination accelerates soil carbon loss through positive priming

The priming effect, i.e., the changes in soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition following fresh organic carbon (C) inputs is known to influence C storage in terrestrial ecosystems. Microplastics (particle size <5 mm) are ubiquitous in soils due to the increasing use and often inadequate end-of-life management of plastics. Conventional polyethylene and bio-degradable (PHBV) plastics contain large amounts of C within their molecular structure, which can be assimilated by microorganisms. However, the extent and direction of the potential priming effect induced by microplastics is unclear. As such, we added 14C-labeled glucose to investigate how background polyethylene and PHBV microplastics (1 %, w/w) affect SOM decomposition and its potential microbial mechanisms in a short-term. The cumulative CO2 emission in soil contaminated with PHBV was 42–53 % higher than under Polyethylene contaminated soil after 60-day incubation. Addition of glucose increased SOM decomposition and induced a positive priming effect, as a consequence, caused a negative net soil C balance (−59 to −132 μg C g−1 soil) regardless of microplastic types. K-strategists dominated in the PHBV-contaminated soils and induced 72 % higher positive priming effects as compared to Polyethylene-contaminated soils (160 vs. 92 μg C g−1 soil). This was attributed to the enhanced decomposition of recalcitrant SOM to acquire nitrogen. The stronger priming effect associated in PHBVs can be attributed to cooperative decomposition among fungi and bacteria, which metabolize more recalcitrant C in PHBV. Moreover, comparatively higher calorespirometric ratios, lower substrate use efficiency, and larger enzyme activity but shorter turnover time of enzymes indicated that soil contaminated with PHBV release more energy, and have a more efficient microbial catabolism and are more efficient in SOM decomposition and nutrient resource uptake. Overall, microplastics, (especially bio-degradable microplastics) can alter biogeochemical cycles with significant negative consequences for C sequestration via increasing SOM decomposition in agricultural soils and for regional and global C budgets.

Museum-archived myctophids reveal decadal trends in microplastic and microfiber ingestion

Global plastic production has surged since the 1960s, resulting in the pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment, yet there is a substantial gap in understanding historical trends of plastic pollution in wildlife. Recent discoveries of significant microplastic contamination in fishes have sparked considerable contemporary advancements in analytical methods and hold the potential to fill gaps in historical trends. We measured the presence of microplastics in museum-archived myctophids (Stenobrachius leucopsarus, Diaphus theta, and Tarletonbeania crenularis) collected from 1962 to 2016, to determine if trends in contamination levels over time correspond with the rise in plastics production. Seventy particles were extracted from 57 of the 240 individuals (23.8 % average occurrence across the time series) consisting of primarily blue and black microfibers. Anthropogenically modified cellulose was the dominant material (87 %) identified through μFTIR analysis, with polypropylene and polyethylene particles occurring secondarily. Although the complete time series across a broad geographical range of the North Pacific did not reveal a significant temporal trend, myctophids collected in proximity to the U.S. west coast showed a trend towards increasing incidence of microplastic and microfiber ingestion over time (p ≤ 0.05). Using historical samples of species with higher ingestion levels and consistent collection locations would improve the reliability of future investigations.

Microplastic contamination in table salt sold in the selected local markets in Samar, Philippines

Microplastic contamination in table salt sold in the selected local markets in Samar, Philippines

Silent threats of 21st century: microplastic contamination of agroecosystems and its implications for the food chain toxicity

Silent threats of 21st century: microplastic contamination of agroecosystems and its implications for the food chain toxicity

Microplastics in commercial bivalves from coastal areas of Thailand and health risk associated with microplastics in ingested bivalves

Microplastics (MPs) contamination in marine organisms is a significant threat to seafood consumers worldwide. This study is the first to investigate the abundance of MPs in the commercial bivalves from six sites along Thailand's coastline, the daily exposure of bivalve consumers to MPs, and potential associated health risks. The microplastic occurrence varied from 69 % to 93 % in four bivalve species while the average abundance of MPs was 1.87 ± 0.86 items/individual or 0.46 ± 0.43 items/g ww. Benthic bivalves (cockles and clams) contained more MPs than their pelagic counterparts (mussels and oysters). Small blue microfibers (<500 μm) were the most abundant. The most common polymers were natural based polymers (cotton and rayon) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The daily microplastic exposure for consumers was 0.52 items/person. Although the risk of microplastic contamination is low, we recommend investigation into the transfer of MPs within the food web, notably as it may pose significant human health concerns.

Cold-water octocoral interactions with microplastics under laboratory conditions

Microplastic pollution is ubiquitous in the oceans, threatening the health of marine ecosystems. The deep sea is recognized as a sink for microplastics, but there is a paucity of information on how deep-sea organisms are being affected by this stressor. Considering their vulnerability to disturbance, this information is crucial to fully understand the need for conservation actions. Here, we develop a novel methodology to provide a detailed characterisation of the behavioural responses of the cold-water octocoral Viminella flagellum to microplastic exposure under laboratory conditions. Coral fragments were individually exposed to a concentration of 1500 items/L of fluorescent green polyethylene microspheres biofouled for three weeks, for a period of 24 h, and carefully monitored for the entire exposure period using high resolution time-lapse video. After exposure, each fragment was transferred to another tank, free of microplastics, and monitored for further 24 h. The coral fragments were dissected at the end of the experimental period to assess the number of microplastics that remained in the digestive tract of each polyp. Our results showed that during this short-term exposure period, V. flagellum was ingesting microspheres, but most importantly it demonstrated the capacity of egesting all particles within 24 h. These results are especially important when quantifying microplastic contamination in cold-water corals in their natural habitat, as only recently ingested microplastics may be detected, leading to potential underestimations of their exposure. Additionally, our results indicated that microplastics adhered to the coral tissue surface could be discarded through periodic shedding of the mucus. These observations suggest that cold-water octocorals can handle microplastics as they do with other foreign particles, although the cleaning mechanisms may require significant energy expenditures.

The abundance and analytical characterization of microplastics in the surface water of Haryana, India.

Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a serious environmental concern that affects terrestrial environments, aquatic ecosystems, and human health. The current study assesses the presence, abundance, and morphology of MPs present in the surface water of Rohtak district, Haryana, India, which is rapidly undergoing industrialization. While the morphological studies of MPs were conducted through stereo microscopy and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), the elemental composition of polymers was analyzed through attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). The results revealed that the surface water was significantly contaminated by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Moreover, the abundance of MPs was found to be 16-28 particles/L with an average value of 23 particles/L. Most of the MPs had fibrous morphology with the specifics being, fibers (43.9%), fragments (23.7%), films (17%), and pellets (15.4%). The MPs exhibited a size range of 0.61-4.87 mm, with an average size measured at 2.03 ± 0.04 mm. Also, the MP pollution load index values for the surface water bodies were found to be below 10, indicating a low risk category. Though currently designated as "low risk," it is important that mitigation strategies be brought over at this juncture to further prevent the deterioration of quality of water. Thus, this study not only intends to bring forth the impact of human activities, industrial waste, open waste dumping, and inadequate municipal waste management practices on increasing MP concentration but also highlights the sustainable alternatives and strategies to address this emerging pollutant in urban water systems. For further prevention, the implementation of stringent regulations and on-site plastic waste segregation is a critical component in preventing the disposal of plastic waste in surface water bodies. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The abundance of MPs was found to be 16-28 particles/L, with an average value of 23 particles/L. The surface water bodies in Rohtak district fall into the hazard categories of low risk with values less than 10. The overall MP concentration in water, across all five areas, based on color was in order: white/transparent (39.1%), black (15%), gray (9.1%), green (8.7%), blue (7.8%), red (7.8%), orange (6.3%), and yellow (6.1%). The dominant polymers were polyethylene (PE) (42%) and polypropylene (41%) as determined by FTIR spectroscopy.

Potential of Heavy Metals and Microplastics Contamination in River Mpanga, Fort Portal, Kabarole District, Uganda

Anthropogenic environmental pollution is a major development challenge in Ugandan rivers and lakes, the key drivers being industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization. The aim of the study was to assess the potential of heavy metal and microplastic contamination in River Mpanga, Fort Portal, Uganda. Triplicate water and sediment samples were collected from three sampling sites, preserved, and analyzed at the Chemistry Department, Makerere University for heavy metals, while microplastics analysis was conducted at NaFIRRI, Jinja. Sediment heavy metal contamination was assessed from the geoaccumulation index, while microplastic characterization and quantification were determined from stereomicroscopy and morphological features. Arsenic was the most prevalent metal with a mean concentration of 13.2 ppm thus higher than permissible maximum limits of WHO. The mean concentrations (ppm) of copper, lead, and cadmium were 0.01, 0.01, and 0.001 respectively, and below the permissible maximum. Sediment samples revealed very strong arsenic contamination, strong contamination for copper, moderate to strong contamination for lead, and a potential lack of contamination for cadmium. The higher concentrations of the heavy metals in the sediments compared to water could be attributed to bioaccumulation, as evidenced by the high geoaccumulation values. Microplastics occurred throughout the river and included fragments, filaments, film, pellets, form, and fibers. The presence of heavy metals and microplastics was attributed to anthropogenic activities within the river vicinity, which discharged heavy metal-laden waste into River Mpanga. High arsenic concentrations and sediment accumulation of contaminants pose serious potential public health threats to the local communities.

Microplastic evidence assessment from water and sediment sampling in a shallow tropical lake.

Microplastics (MPs) severely threaten inland waterbodies due to the direct impact of human activities. In the present study, spatial and temporal patterns of MPs in a shallow tropical lake were assessed, describing their size, morphology, and polymer types. Water and sediment samples were collected from Lake Chapala during three seasons, and MPs were quantified with a stereomicroscope. The structure, elemental composition, and polymeric composition were determined via environmental scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The highest average concentration of microplastics in Lake Chapala was detected during the low-water period in April 2022 (2.35 items/L), exceeding the July 2022 rainy season concentration (1.8 items/L) by 0.25 items/L, and sediment concentrations were also higher in April 2022 (219 items/kg) compared to July 2022 (210 items/kg). This study highlights the significant pollution of Lake Chapala with microplastics, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to manage plastic waste and mitigate its environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Microplastic contamination was evaluated in Lake Chapala. The distribution profiles of microplastics were different in each area. Heavy metals osmium, tellurium, and rhodium were found associated with the PMs. Polymers were found in this study.

Low prevalence of microplastic contamination in the bottom sediments and deep-sea waters of the Bransfield strait, Antarctica

Despite the remoteness of the Antarctic continent and Southern Ocean, microplastic (MPs) contamination has been evidenced in recent years. However, the deep-sea compartments of the Southern Ocean are yet to be investigated. In the present study, we conducted a baseline MP assessment of the deep-sea waters and bottom sediments of the Bransfield Strait, Antarctica. A low abundance of suspected MPs was found. The average MP abundances in bottom sediments and water samples were 0.09 MP/g (range of 0–0.2 MP/g) and 7.00 MP/L (range of 0–16 MP/L), respectively. The majority of the particles were fibers identified as cellulose, although polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was also detected. These results suggest low MP contamination levels in the Southern Ocean's deepest environmental compartments. However, future studies must aim to investigate the smallest MP fractions and, if possible, nanoplastic (<1 μm) contamination in these remote compartments.

Spatiotemporal variations and the ecological risks of microplastics in the watersheds of China: Implying the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

China is not only the first reported place of the COVID-19 pandemic but also is the biggest microplastic emitter in the world. Nevertheless, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on microplastic pollution in the watersheds of China remains poorly understood. To address this, the present study conducted a data mining and multivariate statistical analysis based on 8898 microplastic samples from 23 Chinese watershed systems before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic extensively affected the abundance, colors, shapes, polymer types, and particle sizes of microplastic in Chinese watershed systems. Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, 77.27 % of the Chinese watershed systems observed increased microplastic abundance. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic itself, natural conditions (such as altitude and weather), and anthropogenic factors (such as civil aviation throughput) are highly intertwined, jointly impacting the microplastic in the watersheds of China. From the perspective of ecological risks, the COVID-19 pandemic was more likely to aggravate the microplastic pollution in the middle and down reaches of the Yangtze River Watersheds. Overall, whether before or during the COVID-19 pandemic, the main watershed systems of China still stayed at a high pollution level, which rang the alarm bell that watershed systems of China had been at serious ecological risk accused of microplastic contamination.

Characteristics, Abundance and Polymer Type of Microplastics in Anadara granosa (Blood Clam) from Coastal Area of Palopo City

Plastic waste in marine waters will undergo a degradation process that breaks down large plastic pieces into smaller particles called microplastics. The abundance of microplastics, caused by their small size (&lt;5mm) can be easily indirectly consumed by aquatic animals. Anadara granosa is one of the bivalves that is quite vulnerable to microplastic contamination because it has the nature of a filter feeder which means it can sift particles and organic matter around it. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics, abundance, and types of microplastic polymers in blood clams (A. granosa). The results of microplastic observations made on 60 blood clams were 153 microplastic particles identified from 47 individuals (78%) of contaminated blood clams with an average microplastic abundance of 0.591 ± 0.083 item/gr. Fiber-type microplastics are the most dominant form found and blue is the most dominant color found in the sample. Based on the average abundance of microplastics in Anadara granosa in the coastal area of Palopo City, it is lower than several studies that have been conducted previously. Fourier Transform-Infra Red was conducted to determine the type of polymer in microplastics. Three types of polymers were found in the Anadara granosa samples polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene, and polyester. The three types of polymers have effects on human health such as respiratory problems, skin irritation, and genotoxicity. Action is needed to prevent microplastic pollution in Palopo City’s rivers before microplastic pollution becomes more severe in the future.