Bioavailability and effects of microplastics in estuarine and coastal larval fish assemblages

Microplastics in Juvenile Commercial Fish from an Estuarine Environment

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Juvenile commercial fish from an estuarine environment were found to have ingested microplastics, demonstrating that plastic contamination affects fish at early life stages in transitional coastal ecosystems rather than only in open ocean habitats. Since estuaries serve as nurseries for many commercially important species, microplastic ingestion by juveniles threatens both fish population health and the safety of seafood reaching consumers.

Occurrence, bioaccumulation and ecological risk of aquaculture-derived microplastics in coastal waters

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Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination from aquaculture activities and found that fishing nets, foam buoys, and plastic packaging release large quantities of particles into coastal waters, with aquaculture-derived microplastics accounting for up to 99% of total microplastics at some sites. Cultured seafood consistently showed higher microplastic burdens than wild shellfish, highlighting aquaculture as a major but underestimated pollution source.

Influence of microplastic on the aquatic ecosystem

Occurrence, Distribution, and Removal of Microplastics from Aquatic Ecosystems

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Researchers investigated the occurrence, distribution, and removal strategies for microplastics in aquatic ecosystems, reviewing how their pervasive presence and resistance to conventional treatment create persistent risks for both environmental and human health.

Microplastic in fish – A global synthesis

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A global synthesis of microplastic ingestion data from marine, freshwater, and estuarine fish found that 49% of sampled fish worldwide had ingested plastic, averaging 3.5 pieces per fish, with freshwater fish and those from aquaculture sources showing higher ingestion rates than wild marine fish. This comprehensive analysis reveals that microplastic contamination of fish — a primary human protein source globally — is now the rule rather than the exception, underscoring urgent risks to food safety.