Research finds high levels of microplastics in BoP shellfish - a podcast by RNZ

from 2021-07-09T06:19

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Microplastics have been found in high levels in shellfish across the Bay of Plenty prompting concern for both the marine environment and human health.
The tiny plastic particles, range in size from 5 millimetres in diameter down to 150 microns, which are not visible to the naked eye.
The research by Waikato University, Master of Science student, Anita Lewis found microplastics in both sediment and shellfish, such as Tuatua and Cockles in every area sampled along the Bay of Plenty coast from Tauranga Harbour to ?p?tiki.
Lewis told reporter, Andrew McRae that the highest density of microplastic particles, up to just over 11,000 per square metre were found close to pipe outfalls and populated areas.

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