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Microplastics in marine ecosystems: regional patterns, organism-level impacts and human exposure pathways
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This review pulled together findings from 42 studies to show that tiny plastic fibers are widespread in oceans, building up in fish and shellfish gills and guts, where they cause damage like inflammation and digestive problems. Since we eat seafood, this creates a likely—but not yet fully proven—pathway for microplastics to reach our own bodies, though scientists still need more consistent testing methods and broader ocean monitoring (especially in under-studied regions like the Arctic and Antarctic) to understand the actual risk to human health.
Microplastics contaminate coastal and oceanic environments and create ecological risk through ingestion, tissue retention and trophic transfer. This review synthesised evidence from Scopus-indexed open-access research articles published from 2020 to 2024 and complemented it with National Centers for Environmental Information records on oceanic microplastic pollution from 2017 to 2022. The search retrieved 241 records and 42 studies met the eligibility criteria after title, abstract and full-text screening. The results show a regionally uneven evidence base, with stronger research concentration in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and weaker coverage in the Indian, Arctic and Antarctic basins. Fibres were the dominant particle form, while polyethylene, polyester and polyethylene terephthalate were the most frequent polymers. The gastrointestinal tract and gills were the principal accumulation sites, with reported effects including digestive obstruction, respiratory impairment, oxidative stress, histopathological damage and reduced nutrient absorption. The evidence indicates plausible exposure pathways for humans through seafood, although methodological heterogeneity limits comparability among regions and taxa. Standardised sampling, polymer identification and reporting protocols, together with expanded monitoring in data-poor marine regions, are required to support risk assessment, pollution control and management of food species.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in marine ecosystems: regional patterns, organism-level impacts and human exposure pathways
AI summary Read the abstract
This review of 42 studies found that tiny plastic fibers—mostly from common plastics like polyester and polyethylene—are building up in the guts and gills of marine animals, causing real harm like digestive blockages and organ damage. Since these are often the same fish and shellfish we eat, this points to a likely (though not yet fully proven) pathway for microplastics to enter our own bodies through seafood. The research also found major gaps in monitoring, especially in the Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic oceans, meaning we still don't have a full picture of how widespread this risk really is.
Microplastic distribution and its implications for human health through marine environments
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This review summarizes recent research on how microplastics spread through the ocean and enter the human body through seafood, inhaled air, and skin contact. Studies show these tiny particles can cause inflammation, organ damage, breathing problems, and metabolic disruptions, highlighting the health risks of microplastic contamination in marine food sources.
Tracing the Journey of Microplastics from Aquatic Ecosystems to Seafood
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastics found in fish, shellfish, and other seafood, tracing how the particles enter aquatic animals and sometimes their edible tissues. It describes possible effects on these organisms, including digestive disruption and oxidative stress, and notes that microplastics can carry other pollutants. Human dietary exposure through seafood is noted as a possible route, though actual exposure levels and health risks remain under investigation.
Mapping of microplastic toxicity: Uptake, trophic transfer, and ecotoxicological risks in marine ecosystems
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This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) build up in ocean life, moving from small organisms all the way up to the fish we eat, causing stress, inflammation, and cell damage along the way. Since these particles can carry harmful chemicals with them, and seafood is a major route of exposure for people, the findings highlight a real need for better monitoring and policies to protect both marine life and human health.
Microplastics in Fish and Fishery Products and Risks for Human Health: A Review
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastic contamination in fish and seafood products and the associated human health risks. Microplastics found in fish can carry harmful chemicals and pathogens, and once eaten by humans, they may cause oxidative stress and move from the gut to other tissues. The review highlights seafood as a major dietary source of microplastic exposure and calls for better monitoring and risk assessment.
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