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Microparticles, Microplastics, and PAHs in Bivalves in San Francisco Bay
Abstract

California mussels (Mytilus californianus and hybrid Mytilus galloprovincialis / Mytilus trossulus) and Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) were collected at multiple sites in San Francisco Bay. Mussels from a reference area with minimal urban influence were also deployed in cages for 90 days at multiple sites within the Bay prior to collection.Mussels from the reference time zero site, Bodega Head, had some of the lowest microparticle levels found in this study, along with resident clams from the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers and mussels transplanted to Pinole Point. The highest concentrations of microparticles were in mussels transplanted to Redwood Creek and Coyote Creek. The results of this study and current literature indicate that bivalves may not be good status and trends indicators of microplastic concentrations in the Bay unless the interest is in human health exposure via contaminated bivalve consumption.

Preferred Citation
Miller, E; Klasios, N; Lin, D; Sedlak, M; Sutton, R; Rochman, CM. 2020. Microparticles, Microplastics, and PAHs in Bivalves in San Francisco Bay. SFEI Contribution No. 976. San Francisco Estuary Institute: Richmond, CA.
Published Document
Date Published
03/2020
Programs and Focus Areas
Bay Regional Monitoring Program
Emerging Contaminants
Microplastics & Other Plastics Contamination
Tire Chemicals & Particles
Clean Water Program