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Microplastic ingestion and phthalate esters bioaccumulation in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares): tissue-specific distribution across gills, stomach, and muscles
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Researchers analyzed yellowfin tuna from waters off Taiwan and found microplastic particles in their stomachs and gills, along with elevated levels of phthalate chemicals in their muscle tissue. Red muscle tissue contained significantly higher concentrations of phthalates than white muscle, with the stomach accumulating the most plastic particles. The findings raise concerns about human exposure to both microplastics and their associated chemicals through consumption of commercially important fish species.
This study investigates the contamination of phthalate esters (PAEs) and microplastics (MPs) in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) collected from the southern coast of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Results revealed significantly higher PAE concentrations in red muscle tissue (2595-72,734 ng/g ww), with DiNP, DnBP, and DEHP as the dominant compounds, compared to lower levels in white muscle (271.98-811.49 ng/g ww). Specifically, the stomach (92 particles) contained a higher number of MP particles compared to the gill (56 particles). Fibrous rayon dominated in the gills, likely due to water filtration, while polypropylene and polyolefin fragments were prevalent in the stomach, suggesting ingestion of plastic debris. Most MPs measured 1-2 mm in size and were blue or transparent, indicating textile and film-based sources. Principal component analysis showed that bioaccumulation patterns were associated with the hydrophobicity and molecular weight of PAEs. These highlight improved marine pollution controls to safeguard ecological and human health.
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This systematic review found that tuna species worldwide contain significant levels of microplastics, especially polyethylene and polypropylene, concentrated in their gills and digestive tracts. Since tuna is one of the most widely consumed fish globally, these findings mean that eating tuna is a direct route for microplastic exposure in the human diet.
Microplastics contamination in Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Indian Ocean
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All 35 yellowfin tuna sampled from the Indian Ocean contained microplastics in their gastrointestinal tracts, with an average of 2.77 particles per fish — 91% fibers and 56% polyethylene — at sizes ranging from 0.054 to 1.494 mm. A 100% ingestion rate in a commercially important, widely consumed fish species confirms pervasive microplastic contamination throughout the Indian Ocean food web and highlights direct implications for human dietary exposure.
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Researchers measured tiny plastic particles in the muscle tissue of dolphinfish and yellowfin tuna caught across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Polyethylene and other common plastics were found in both species, with amounts varying by location and species, but not linked to how high the fish sat in the food chain.
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Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts of skipjack tuna collected from Indonesian waters, with plastic particles present in most fish examined. Since tuna is widely consumed, the findings raise concerns about human exposure to microplastics through seafood.
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