We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Are microplastics a new cardiac threat? A pilot study with wild fish from the North East Atlantic Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the hearts of 154 wild fish from three commercial species in the North East Atlantic and found microplastics in the cardiac tissue of nearly one in five fish. The plastic particles varied in polymer type, shape, and color across species, with sardines showing the highest contamination rates. The findings suggest that microplastic contamination of the heart may be widespread in marine fish, warranting further research into cardiovascular health effects.
Global environmental contamination by microplastics (MPs) is a growing problem with potential One Health impacts. The presence of MPs in vital organs, such as the heart, is of particular concern, but the knowledge is still limited. The goal of the present pilot study was to investigate the potential presence of MPs in the heart of wild specimens of three commercial fish species (Merluccius merluccius, Sardina pilchardus, and Trisopterus luscus) from the North East Atlantic Ocean. Heart samples from 154 fish were analysed for MP content (one heart sample per fish). A total of 44 MPs were recovered from heart samples from the three species. MPs had varied chemical composition (5 polymers), shapes (4) and colours (5). Differences in the profile of the MPs among species was observed (p ≤ 0.05). Thirty fish (19%) had MPs in their hearts, with a total mean (±SD) concentration of 0.286 ± 0.644 MPs/fish. S. pilchardus had the highest heart contamination (p ≤ 0.05). There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between M. merluccius and T. luscus. These findings in fish with different biological and ecological traits together with literature data suggest that heart contamination likely is a disseminated phenomenon. Therefore, further research on the presence of MPs in the cardiovascular system and its potential health effects is very much needed.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in wild fish from North East Atlantic Ocean and its potential for causing neurotoxic effects, lipid oxidative damage, and human health risks associated with ingestion exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in three commercially important fish species from the North East Atlantic Ocean and found that 49% of the 150 fish analyzed contained microplastics. Fish with microplastics showed significantly higher levels of lipid damage in the brain, gills, and muscle, along with signs of neurotoxicity. Based on the microplastics found in edible fish muscle, the study estimates that human consumers may ingest hundreds of microplastic particles per year from fish consumption alone.
Microplastic in the stomachs of open-ocean and deep-sea fishes of the North-East Atlantic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic occurrence in the stomachs of 390 fish from three pelagic and two deep-sea species in the North-East Atlantic, comparing plastic ingestion between fish occupying contrasting ocean compartments. The study documented microplastic presence across species at different depths, highlighting how plastic contamination extends throughout the oceanic water column.
A global synthesis of microplastic contamination in wild fish species: Challenges for conservation, implications for sustainability of wild fish stocks and future directions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a global synthesis analyzing 260 field studies covering over 1,000 fish species and found that microplastics have been recorded in 830 wild fish species, including 606 species important to commercial fisheries. Among the affected species, 34 are classified as globally threatened on the IUCN Red List. The study highlights that microplastic contamination is widespread across wild fish populations, with implications for both conservation and food safety.
Microplastic pollution in edible marine fish from the northwestern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh: A comprehensive assessment of occurrence, characteristics and associated ecological risks
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found tiny plastic pieces in the stomachs of all fish species they tested from waters near Bangladesh, with each fish containing about 7 plastic particles on average. Since people eat these fish, this means microplastics are likely getting into our food chain, though more research is needed to understand what health risks this might pose. The study shows that plastic pollution has spread throughout marine ecosystems and is now a common part of seafood we consume.
Microplastic contamination in large migratory fishes collected in the open Atlantic Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastic contamination in large migratory fish collected during a circumnavigation of the Atlantic Ocean, with all seven commercially important species containing microplastics predominantly as fibers in their gastrointestinal tracts.
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.