A recent study investigating the efficacy of microplastic depuration on two commercial oyster species from the west coast of Ireland

has recently been published in the Journal of World Aquaculture Society. This is the first study assessing depuration of microplastics in farmed oysters in Ireland.

This preliminary study shows that concentrations of microplastics can be substantially decreased with increasing depuration times. In fact, there is more than 90% reduction of microplastic concentrations after 72h of depuration.

This baseline provides valuable information for decision-makers both at the industry and policy levels, however, an assessment at an industrial-relevant scale is required to fully substantiate the results.