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Microplastic contamination in some popular seafood fish species from the northern Bay of Bengal and possible consumer risk assessment
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Researchers analyzed three popular seafood fish species from the Bay of Bengal and found microplastics in their gills, digestive tracts, and importantly, their muscle tissue, which is the part people eat. The presence of microplastics in fish muscle means the particles have been absorbed into body tissues, creating direct exposure for consumers. The study estimated human health risks from eating these contaminated fish and found that smaller fish tended to have higher microplastic levels.
Microplastics (MPs) are a growing environmental concern in marine ecosystems, posing serious risks to marine life and human health, though their specific health impacts remain unclear. This study evaluated MP contamination in three popular seafood fish, analyzing organ speficic distribution and raltionship with body weight and feeding habits. It further calculated human health exposure and risks using established models. Samples of gill, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and muscle tissues from Thunnus obesus, Pampus chinensis, and Acanthopagrus datnia collected from the northern Bay of Bengal were analyzed using wet peroxide oxidation, stereomicroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Analyses revealed that MPs were ranged from 1.57 ± 0.58 to 8.73 ± 2.55 MP items/g in gill samples, 1.37 ± 0.62 to 5.39 ± 1.55 MP items/g in the GIT, and 0.2 ± 0.15 to 0.475 ± 0.21 MP items/g in muscle tissue. The presence of MPs in fish muscle indicated that these particles have passed through the digestive system and been absorbed into body tissues, resulting in direct exposure for consumers. Interestingly, a negative correlation was found between MP levels and weight of the fish species suggesting that larger fish might process and excrete microplastics more efficiently than smaller fish. Interestingly, a negative correlation was observed between the levels of MPs and both the length and weight of the fish species. Carnivorous species generally exhibited higher MPs load than omnivorous species. Overall, fiber-type MPs predominated, followed by sheet and fragment, with the majority appearing filamentous and measuring <0.5 mm in size. Notably, violet and red were the most prevalent colors observed among the MPs. Interestingly, a negative correlation was found between MP levels and weight of the fish species suggesting that larger fish might process and excrete microplastics more efficiently than smaller fish. Carnivorous species typically showed a higher load of microplastics than omnivorous species. FT-IR analyses identified four types of polymers—EVA, nylon, PE, and PP—suggesting that the potential sources of MPs may be fishing gear or packaging materials. With the estimated average human intake projected to be 1,244,460 MPs/person/year for the local population, the health risk posed by MPs is substantial. The PLI and CF values (>1) indicated significant overall contamination of fish by MPs. Polymeric Hazard Index (PHI) assessments identified risk levels across various categories (Grade I to Grade III) for different polymer types, ranging from minimal to significant risk. • MPs were present in all samples ranging from 0.2 ± 0.15 to 8.73 ± 2.55 MP items/g. • Predominant MPs were fibers and filamentous, mostly <0.5 mm, violet. • Four polymer types identified, ranked by percentage as EVA > nylon > PE > PP. • More MPs were found in the gills compared to the muscle and gastrointestinal tract. • PHI indicated risk of polymers from grade I (<1) to III (10–100).
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