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The Presence of Microplastics in the Genus Oreochromis: A Review

Microplastics 2025
D G Mendoza-López, María del Refugio Castañeda‐Chávez, Leonardo Martinez, Edna F. Castillo-Márquez, Fabiola Lango‐Reynoso

Summary

This review summarizes evidence of microplastic contamination in Oreochromis tilapia species across multiple geographic regions, examining abundance, polymer types, and potential pathways of MP ingestion, with implications for seafood safety and aquaculture management.

The increase in the human population has created pressure, due to the high consumption of natural resources, to meet basic needs. Poor waste management resulting from human activities has caused plastics to become pollutants that are present around the planet, including aquatic environments. The degradation of plastics through physicochemical processes has resulted in the presence of microplastics (particles < 5 mm), which have been found in species for human consumption and economic importance, including tilapia. In the last decade, research has shown the presence of microplastics in tilapia collected from different water bodies and aquaculture ponds, as well as in fish markets. In addition to this, there are studies that demonstrate that exposure to microplastics can have negative effects on the health of tilapia. The aim of this review is to compile and analyze the available information on microplastic contamination in Oreochromis spp., as well as in their environment, due to their importance as a species for human consumption.

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