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Microplastics in Oreochromis niloticus tilapia aquaculture: sources and effects
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This review of 34 studies found that farmed tilapia, one of the most popular fish worldwide, regularly contains tiny plastic particles from sources like wastewater, netting, pipes, and feed, with the particles turning up not just in the gut but also in muscle tissue that people actually eat. The fish themselves show signs of harm too, including digestive problems and slowed growth, raising real questions about what this means for both fish health and the safety of a fish that ends up on dinner plates globally.
Microplastic pollution poses an emerging risk to aquaculture systems and food security. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), one of the most widely farmed freshwater species globally, can be exposed to these particles through water, feed, and aquaculture infrastructure. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the scientific evidence regarding the sources, characteristics, and effects of microplastics in tilapia aquaculture. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed, and a literature search was conducted across Scopus, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate for the period 2016-2025. Following the selection process, 34 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The results demonstrate that microplastics in O. niloticus are widespread globally, having been recorded in natural, aquaculture, and experimental systems. Fibers and fragments, composed mainly of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET, predominate; these are associated with both external sources (wastewater, urban activities, and textiles) and internal sources (wear and tear of netting, pipes, equipment, and contaminated feed). Most studies document accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, although particles have also been detected in the gills, liver, and muscle, suggesting a potential risk to human health. Furthermore, physiological effects such as digestive disturbances, oxidative stress, and reduced growth have been reported. Overall, the evidence confirms that microplastics are a significant contaminant in tilapia aquaculture and highlights the necessity to implement mitigation strategies and standardize assessment methodologies.
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in the Mozambique tilapia, a widely farmed fish species in India, and found microplastics present in the digestive tracts of sampled fish. The most common types were fibers and fragments made of polyethylene and polypropylene. The study raises concerns about microplastic transfer through aquaculture to human consumers, given the growing importance of tilapia farming and the rising levels of plastic pollution in Indian freshwater systems.
The Presence of Microplastics in the Genus Oreochromis: A Review
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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.
Effects of Microplastics on the Oxygen Consumption and Histological Changes of the Cultured Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus
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This study found that microplastic exposure caused tissue damage in the gills and intestines of tilapia fish, with higher concentrations leading to more severe changes. Since tilapia is widely consumed worldwide, these findings raise questions about whether microplastics in farmed fish could affect the quality and safety of the seafood on our plates.
Size-Dependent Uptake and Depuration of Nanoplastics in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Distinct Intestinal Impacts
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Researchers tracked how tilapia fish absorb and eliminate nanoplastics of two sizes (86 and 185 nanometers) and found that both accumulated most heavily in the intestine. Smaller nanoplastics caused more physical damage to the intestinal lining, while larger ones disrupted the gut microbiome more severely. Since tilapia is widely consumed worldwide, the finding that nanoplastics build up in fish tissue and damage their guts raises concerns about the safety of farmed fish as food.
Microplastics in aquaculture - Potential impacts on inflammatory processes in Nile tilapia
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Researchers fed Nile tilapia a diet containing a mixture of four common microplastics and found that the particles triggered inflammatory responses in both adult and juvenile fish. The microplastics activated immune pathways and caused tissue changes in the gut and other organs, with juveniles being more sensitive. Since tilapia is one of the most widely farmed fish in the world, these findings raise concerns about the safety of farm-raised fish exposed to microplastic-contaminated water.
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