Uptake and Retention of Microplastic Particles by Adult Grass Shrimp

This study aimed to quantify the uptake and retention of microplastic particles in the gut and gills of adult daggerblade grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio. Polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene microspheres were tested as well as polypropylene microfragments and polypropylene microfibers. Particle size fractions ranged from 30 microns to 165 microns. Grass shrimp were exposed to microplastic particles at a concentration of 20,000 particles/400 mL. Exposure was followed by a 96 hour depuration period, and the average clearance time (hr) was calculated.