Microplastic Pollution in Shellfish Aquaculture: Occurrence, Impact, and Possible Remedies

Microplastic (MP) contamination, which originated from anthropogenic activities, is one of the environmental challenges posing a threat to aquaculture systems globally. Occurrence of MPs pollution has been found to affect the commercially important farmed shellfish organisms in many recent studies. Considering the interconnected repercussions, this paper reviews and assesses the likely sources of microplastics in shellfish farming, as well as their behavioral, physical, and genetic effects on shellfish products. Microplastic penetration and deposition by various shellfish may result in unique health and performance deterioration, such as toxicological implications, behavioral changes, growth, and reproductive issues. These negative consequences are leading the shellfish aquaculture industry to an unsustainable future. Finally, potential solutions are presented to mitigate the negative effects of microplastic pollution in shellfish cultures, such as controlling microplastics through water treatment technology, limiting plastic usage in aquaculture, ecological concepts, the use of alternative plastic products, and policy implications.