We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and chemical contamination in aquaculture ecosystems: The role of climate change and implications for food safety—a review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microplastics and toxic chemicals contaminate aquaculture ecosystems — the fish farms that feed hundreds of millions of people — and found that the growing threat of climate change is making contamination worse by altering how pollutants move and accumulate in aquatic food. The review calls for better quantification of aquaculture's role in both generating and absorbing plastic pollution to protect global food safety.
The aquaculture industry is growing rapidly and plays a huge role in bridging the global demand gap for fish and other aquatic foods. It is a vital contributor of valuable nutrients and economic benefits. Aquaculture and fisheries provide a means of livelihood to an estimated 58.5 million people globally, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. However, the sector is impacted by the ubiquity of microplastics and toxic chemicals. Although many studies have reported plastic pollution in the aquaculture environment, less attention has been paid to the coexistence of toxic chemicals with plastic particles and the role of climate change in aquaculture food contamination. This review evaluates the occurrence of microplastics in organisms, feeds, water, and sediment in the aquaculture ecosystem and the detection and hazardous effects of toxic chemical contaminants. We also highlight novel insights into the role of climate change in plastic and chemical contamination of aquaculture organisms and ecosystems. We report that the extent of aquaculture’s contribution to global climate change and global plastic pollution is yet to be adequately quantified and requires further investigation for appropriate risk assessment and prevention of food safety crisis. Possible mitigation strategies for the highlighted pollution problems were suggested, and some identified gaps for future research were indicated. Overall, this work is one of the first efforts to assess the influence of climate change on aquaculture food contamination, emphasising its effects on food safety and ecosystem health.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in aquaculture systems: Occurrence, ecological threats and control strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes how microplastics contaminate aquaculture systems through fishing gear, feed, and polluted water, and examines their effects on farmed aquatic species. Microplastics accumulate in farmed fish and shellfish, raising concerns about food safety for the millions of people who consume aquaculture products. The authors discuss removal strategies and call for better monitoring to protect both aquaculture sustainability and consumer health.
A review of microplastic pollution in aquaculture: Sources, effects, removal strategies and prospects
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics contaminate fish farms through environmental inputs and aquaculture equipment, affecting water quality and the health of farmed seafood. Since contaminated aquaculture products are a direct pathway for microplastics to reach the human diet, reducing plastic pollution in fish farming is important for food safety.
Understanding the sources, fate and effects of microplastics in aquatic environments with a focus on risk profiling in aquaculture systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes how microplastics enter aquaculture systems and accumulate in farmed fish, causing toxic effects including immune disruption, oxidative stress, and genetic damage. Since farmed fish are a major food source, the buildup of microplastics in aquaculture poses a direct pathway for these particles to reach human diets.
Climate-mediated food safety hazards of aquaculture
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing research showing that climate change—through warmer waters, changing salinity, and extreme weather—is making farmed seafood riskier by boosting harmful bacteria, algae toxins, heavy metals, and microplastics. That matters because much of the world relies on farmed fish and shellfish for protein, and these contaminants can end up on your plate, potentially causing illness or long-term health issues. The researchers call for better monitoring and updated farming practices to keep seafood safe as the climate continues to change.
Plastic Pollution and Microplastics as Emerging Threats to Aquaculture: A Narrative Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This narrative review examined how microplastic contamination has emerged as a major challenge for aquaculture, identifying MPs in pond water, sediments, fish feeds, and cultured organisms. The review discussed MP sources from degraded infrastructure and contaminated inputs, and assessed the implications for farmed fish health and seafood safety.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.