Efficiency assessment of microplastic extraction from green mussel \(\textit{Perna viridis}\) Linnaeus

Microplastics with particle size less than 5 mm are becoming a raising global environmental crisis. These pollutants were found from the poles to the equator, in continental shelves, coasts and in the oceans, moreover, they have also been identified in the water columns, sediments and even in a variety of organisms. The majority of microplastics that ended up in the oceans originate from the land. Due to their small size, they are easily accumulated in the food chain, causing harmful effects on organisms and human health. The bivalves especially caught the interest of scientific researchers because of their direct contact with microplastics through the filter-feeding habit. Therefore, it is essential to develop methods to determine the presence of microplastics in these organisms and identify their source. This study evaluated the efficiency of extracting microplastics from the tissues of green mussels (Perna viridis) using KOH 10% solution to digest and KI 50% as the separating solution. Mussel soft tissue samples were spiked five different types of microplastics: polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and treated with KOH 10% solution and KI 50% solution. The presence of microplastics in some green mussel species was also investigated in some mussel farming areas in Giao Thuy, Nam Dinh province, Thi Nai, Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh province and Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province. The research results showed high efficiency of microplastic extraction and recovery with the range from 76% to 97%. Microplastic concentration obtained in all mussel samples variates from 1.0 ± 0.1 particles/g to 1.7 ± 0.6 particles/g, in which fiber microplastics predominated. Microplastics in mussel samples have small sizes of < 1,000 µm and 1,000–2,000 µm, make up 74.15–82.32% and 9.76–14.71%, respectively. Purple was dominant among all mussel samples. This study proved that using KOH 10% solution and KI 50% solution to isolate microplastics is a suitable approach and can be used in monitoring studies of microplastic pollution in bivalves.

Soaking time of lime solutions (Citrus aurantifolias) against the metal content reduction of cadmium in green shellfish (Perna viridis)

Indonesia has the potential for large marine and fisheries resources, reaching 23.26 million tons per year. Green shellfish (<em>Perna viridis</em>) are a source of animal protein that can be classified as Complete Protein because of its high levels of essential amino acids. These green shellfish are cheaper than other seafood products. However, heavy metals can be absorbed by shellfish, which is cadmium (Cd) which if consumed can accumulate in the body, cause health problems and lead to death. Therefore, research is needed to reduce cadmium levels in green shellfish, including using a lime solution (<em>Citrus aurantifolia).</em> This study was to determine the effectiveness of the soaking time of lime in reducing the cadmium levels in green shellfish. The research was an experimental with a pretest-posttest group design. Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney test was used to analyze data by SPSS. The results showed a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) that means the longer the soaking time, the longer the time for the citrate ions to react with metal cadmium, more cadmium is bound to the lime solution. It showed that soaking green shellfish with lime solution for 120 minutes was the most effective to reduce 73.77% of cadmium levels in green shellfish.

The use of green mussel as bioindicator of heavy metal pollution in Indonesia: a review

Asian green mussel is a marine animal that is used as food by most Indonesians. The mussels are widely cultivated in tropical countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other Asian countries. The mussel, known as perna viridis, is marine biota that is a filter feeder in the waters. Therefore, the quality of its meat is greatly influenced by the quality of the sea in its habitat. It is a food that is quite popular with the community but can endanger public health due to the accumulation of heavy metals. This study used a literature review by collecting data related to heavy metal concentrations in green mussel tissue in Indonesia. The results showed that the mussels from several sampling locations still exceeded the maximum acceptable limits of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) concentration according to the standards of the food and drug administration of the Republic of Indonesia. Consumption of green mussels can increase health risks if you frequently consume them from cultivating or catching locations that have been contaminated with heavy metals.