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Microplastic contamination in edible marine fishes from the upper Gulf of Thailand
Summary
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in edible fish from the upper Gulf of Thailand and found that nearly half the fish sampled contained microplastics in their digestive tracts, mostly polyester fibers. The estimated daily microplastic exposure for people eating these fish was relatively low at 0.03 to 0.1 particles per person. While the immediate risk appears small, the study recommends continued monitoring to ensure seafood safety as plastic pollution increases.
Seafood consumption is a major source of microplastic exposure for humans. Here, we demonstrated microplastic contamination in marine food fishes from the upper Gulf of Thailand. Microplastics were found in gastrointestinal tracts of 46.9 % of fishes sampled, with a mean concentration of 1.6 ± 0.5 pieces per fish or 0.04 ± 0.01 pieces/g of fish tissue. Demersal fishes had higher contamination rates than pelagic fishes. Fibrous-type and blue-colored materials were the most abundant microplastics, while the most common polymers were polyester and polyethylene. No associations between microplastics and histopathological changes were detected. Estimated daily microplastic exposure for human marine fish consumers was 0.03 to 0.1 pieces per person. Although we expect a low risk of microplastic contamination in fish muscle because of very low calculated transfer rates, we recommend continuing surveillance, including evaluations of contamination in the food chain to ensure future seafood safety in this region.
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