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Characteristics of microplastic pollution in Pyropia and its geographical distribution patterns in China
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Researchers quantified microplastic abundance in commercially packaged Pyropia (nori-type seaweed) from seven locations across China, finding concentrations of 0.05–0.40 items/g with polyester fibers dominant and the highest contamination in Qingdao. This work demonstrates that microplastics are present in commonly consumed marine plant foods, adding to the cumulative dietary exposure pathways for humans.
Marine macroalgae are the foundation of life in marine ecosystems. To understand the extent of marine microplastic pollution in seaweed, laboratory experiments were conducted on microplastic extraction and detection in Pyropia samples. The objective was to analyze the enrichment characteristics and geographical distribution patterns of microplastics in Pyropia in China. By examining microplastic abundance in commercially packaged Pyropia from seven latitudinal locations in China, we found that microplastic abundance in Pyropia ranged from 0.05 to 0.40 items g-1, with an average abundance of 0.17±0.12 items g-1 and sizes ranging from 0.36 to 4.77 mm. There are two main types of microplastic: fibers and sheets. Black was the dominant color, followed by blue and white. Black fiber-type microplastics account for the largest proportion. Five polymers of microplastics were identified, with polyester fibers (PLs) being the predominant polymer. Microplastics were detected in all Pyropia samples from the seven latitudinal locations in China. The statistical results revealed an overall relatively high abundance of microplastics in Pyropia produced north of the Yangtze River. Significant differences in microplastic abundance were detected between the one location and the other five locations. The most severe microplastic pollution was found in commercially packaged Pyropia from Qingdao, Shandong Province, and the lowest abundance of microplastic pollution was found in commercially packaged Pyropia from Taizhou, Zhejiang Province. The results of this study confirm that seaweed (Pyropia) facilitates the entry of microplastic pollutants into the food web, posing a potential threat to human health.
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