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Accumulation of microplastic in edible marine species from North Kerala, India
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Researchers found microplastics in the edible tissues of three popular seafood species (clams, shrimp, and anchovies) from fish markets in Kerala, India. Fibers and fragments were the most common shapes, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the dominant plastic types. Since these species are consumed whole or with minimal processing, the study highlights a direct pathway for microplastic ingestion by people who eat locally caught seafood.
Microplastics in edible seafood constitute a significant concern, as they can accumulate in the tissues of marine organisms and entering food chain through which it reaches human and cause health risks. This study aims to investigate the presence of microplastics in the edible tissues of Marcia opima, Metapenaeus dobsoni, and Stolephorus indicus, collected from the central fish markets in Kasargod District of Kerala, India. About 9 kg of seafood (3 kg of each species) was collected from three major fish markets. From this, 50 species samples were randomly selected, totalling 150 samples representing each sample. About 193 microplastics from 150 individuals of three different seafood species were isolated and identified. Metapenaeus dobsoni was found to have the greatest number of microplastics (155) among these three species. Microplastic fibres constituted a significant part of total microplastic counts. Microplastic identification was made using a 'Leica stereo-zoom binocular microscope'; confirmation and polymer identification were made using the FTIR-ATR method. Six different polymers were identified such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyacrylamide. Among these, microplastic analysis across all three species showed that nearly half were composed of polyethylene, with polyethylene terephthalate being the second most prevalent polymer. Additionally, Metapenaeus dobsoni has been newly reported globally as a species with microplastic contamination.
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Microplastics in the edible and inedible tissues of pelagic fishes sold for human consumption in Kerala, India
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Researchers examined microplastics in both edible and inedible tissues of nine commercially important fish species from Kerala, India. They found that 41% of fish had microplastics in inedible tissues like gills and viscera, while 7% had particles in edible muscle and skin, with filter-feeding fish showing higher contamination than visual predators. The study suggests that human consumption of pelagic fish from this region could result in microplastic exposure, though the quantities found in edible tissues were relatively small.
The Occurrence of Microplastics in the Gut Contents of Selected Estuarine Fishes of Southern Kerala, India
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A two-year survey of estuarine fish in southern Kerala, India, found microplastics — predominantly polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene — in the stomachs of multiple commercially consumed species. The study documents spatial and seasonal variation in contamination levels, raising concern about human dietary exposure to microplastics through fish consumption in Indian coastal communities.
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in popular seafood from India's southeast coast, including mussels, prawns, and fish like red snapper and mackerel — with wild-caught mussels and opportunistic-feeding fish showing the highest levels. Most of the plastic bits were tiny black fibers, likely from sources like synthetic clothing and fishing gear, made of common plastics like polyethylene. Since these are commonly eaten seafood species, this raises real questions about how much microplastic ends up on our dinner plates and in our bodies — though more research is needed to understand what that means for our health.
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