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Seaweeds as a major source of dietary microplastics exposure in East Asia
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This study found that seaweed is a major and previously overlooked source of dietary microplastic exposure in East Asia, with Chinese consumers estimated to ingest over 17,000 microplastic particles per year through seaweed alone. Seaweed-derived exposure accounted for up to 45.5% of total dietary microplastic intake, surpassing all other food sources. These findings are important for the millions of people in East Asian countries who regularly consume kelp and nori as dietary staples.
Microplastics (MPs) occurrence in marine ecosystems is well known, but their accumulation in seaweeds and subsequent human exposure remain understudied. This research quantifies MPs presence in two commonly consumed seaweeds, kelp (Saccharina japonica) and nori (Pyropia yezoensis), in East Asia, revealing widespread contamination dominated by microfibers (<500 μm). Based on dietary patterns, human uptake through seaweed consumption was estimated and quantified. Notably, Chinese people consume an estimated 17,034 MPs/person/year through seaweed consumption, representing 13.1% of their total annual MPs intake. This seaweeds-derived exposure surpasses all other dietary sources, contributing up to 45.5% of overall MPs intake. The highest intake was in South Korea, followed by North Korea, China, and Japan. This research identifies seaweeds as a major, previously overlooked route of dietary MPs exposure. These findings are crucial for comprehensive risk assessments of seaweed consumption and the development of mitigation strategies, particularly for populations in East Asian countries.
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Seaweed as a sink for microplastic contamination: Uptake, identifications and food safety implications
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This review examines how seaweed, a widely consumed food, absorbs and accumulates microplastics from ocean water. Research shows seaweed can account for up to 45.5% of total dietary microplastic intake in some regions, with particularly high levels in South Asia. The findings are concerning for human health because seaweed is eaten directly and is also increasingly used in health supplements and food additives.
Microplastics in the commercial seaweed nori
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Researchers quantified microplastic contamination in commercial nori (edible seaweed) at different stages of processing, finding that microplastics were present in both raw and processed products. The results suggest that nori can accumulate microplastics from its marine growing environment and retain them through processing into consumer products.
Microplastics contamination in seaweed: impacts on human health and mitigation approaches
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This review found that microplastics contaminate many types of edible seaweed, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms. Since seaweed is consumed worldwide, these microplastics can enter the human body and potentially cause oxidative damage, cell toxicity, and neurotoxicity. More research is needed to fully understand the health risks of eating microplastic-contaminated seaweed.
Microplastic contamination in commercially packaged edible seaweeds and exposure of the ethnic minority and local population in Mexico
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Researchers analyzed commercially packaged edible seaweed products sold at ethnic food stores in Mexico and found microplastic contamination in all samples tested. The most common types were fibers and fragments made of polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene. The study raises concerns about dietary microplastic exposure for ethnic minority communities and local populations who regularly consume imported seaweed products.
Microplastic contamination in seafood from Dongshan Bay in southeastern China and its health risk implication for human consumption
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in eight popular seafood species from Dongshan Bay in southeastern China and assessed potential human health risks. The study characterized the abundance, size, shape, and polymer type of microplastics found in the seafood samples. The findings suggest that consuming contaminated seafood represents a meaningful exposure pathway for microplastic ingestion, though the specific health implications require further study.
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.