Dangerous microplastics in topshells and anemones along the north coast of Spain

While levels of microplastics and other pollutants keep increasing in all coastal habitats, seafood is being eaten all over the world. In this research, three edible species were sampled from six points along the central north coast of Spain: Actinia equina anemones and Phorcus lineatus and Steromphala umbilicaris topshells (N = 100). Putative microplastics (N = 2157) were identified, counted, and many analyzed through FT-IR spectroscopy. Herbivorous topshells contained significantly more microplastics than carnivorous anemones. The most common particles were fibers, with transparent, blue and black as most prominent colours. Plastics included PE, polyester, PET, PP, nylon, PS, PVB and acrylic fibers. The sampled items contained several harmful compounds, including PTTC of which even one particle could be fatal if inhaled. This highlights the urgent need for studies regarding the safety of seafood.