Microplastic contamination in highly consumed wild and cultured Asian seabass from a subtropical coastal region: Exposure and consumer risk assessment

This study provides a novel assessment of Microplastics (MPs) contamination in wild and cultured Asian seabass ( Lates calcarifer Bloch, 1790), a significant species in global aquaculture and seafood consumption. A total of 30 samples were analyzed using H 2 O 2 digestion, density separation and FTIR spectroscopy to quantify and characterize MPs based on abundance, morphological features and polymers. The average MP abundance in muscle of wild and cultured seabass was (2.60 ± 0.99 items/g) and (1.92 ± 0.94) respectively with particles predominantly in the size range of <0.5 mm. Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and Polystyrene (PS) were the most common polymers identified, suggesting contamination sources linked to various anthropogenic activities. Risk indices, Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Contamination Factor (CF), indicated a moderate to high pollution level, underscoring the ecological risk posed by MPs in their environments. Both wild and cultured seabass exhibited moderate Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) values for PE and PET, indicating category II polymer-associated risks (PHI: 1–10). Furthermore, Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) for adult and children were 1.59 and 1.24 g/day for wild seabass and 1.17 g/day and 0.91 g/day respectively for cultured seabass. Given the high consumption of Asian seabass, these findings support food safety guidance. • Wild seabass showed higher microplastics (MPs) levels than cultured ones. • Over 95% of MPs were <0.5 mm fibers, dominant in both seabass groups. • Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and Polystyrene were the main polymers. • MP intake was higher for wild seabass consumers: 1.59 g/day (adults), 1.24 (kids). • Hazard analyses values for PE and PET, indicated category II polymer-associated risks.