We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Human health risk assessment for consumption of microplastics and plasticizing substances through marine species
Summary
Researchers analyzed three seafood species from Ecuador and found microplastics along with plastic-derived chemicals including bisphenol-A and phthalates in all samples. The microplastics ranged in size from less than 1 micrometer to over 100 micrometers and included fragments, fibers, and films. The study assessed human health risks from consuming these contaminated species and found that estimated daily intake of certain plasticizers approached levels of concern.
A special characteristic of MP (microplastics) in the ocean is they may act as carriers of additives specific to the plastic materials used in their manufacture, such as plasticizers, among which Bisphenol-A (BPA), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dybuthyl phthalate (DBP). Both MP as the plasticizers were searched in composite samples of mangrove cockle (Anadara tuberculosa), Stolzmann's weakfish (Cynoscion stolzmanni) and arched swimming crab (Callinectes arcuatus). Extraction of MP was done through physical-chemical techniques and identification was carried out employing the techniques of light microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy; the sizes of MP obtained were between 0.5 μm and 106 μm, the following average results being obtained: for Arched swimming crab 4.0 ± 1.0 MP/g; mangrove cockle 3.3 ± 2.9 MP/g; and for Stolzmann's weakfish, the average was 2.4 ± 1.3 MP/g; the most observed shapes were fibers and irregular segments; the most identified MP was polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Regarding extraction and quantification of plasticizers, the extraction stage was carried out using QuEChERS tubes; and the identification and quantification with gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Regarding the plasticizing substances, DEHP was found in detectable levels in all the samples; BPA was found in 84% of the composite samples analyzed; DBP was found in 50% of them, of the analyzed samples 34% were positive for the 3 analytes. The dietary exposure of people to plasticizers was calculated and for BPA the exposure obtained was compared with respect to the TDI (tolerable intake dose) for pregnant women and the new TDI proposed by EFSA in 2021 according to the estrogenic effect of this substance in the fetus. The objective of the work was to determine if a relationship could be established between both PM and plasticizers, which gave a positive relationship.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Bisphenol A and its analogs in muscle and liver of fish from the North East Atlantic Ocean in relation to microplastic contamination. Exposure and risk to human consumers
Researchers measured levels of bisphenol A and related compounds in the muscle and liver of three fish species from the North East Atlantic Ocean and assessed the relationship with microplastic contamination. Fish containing microplastics had significantly higher concentrations of bisphenols than those without, suggesting microplastics may be a vehicle for chemical contamination. The estimated health risk from consuming these fish exceeded safety thresholds set by the European Food Safety Authority.
Occurrence, sources and potential human health risk of microplastics in seafood species
Researchers measured microplastic occurrence in seafood products available in local markets, identifying plastics in multiple species including fish, shrimp, and bivalves, and estimated potential human dietary intake based on consumption data. The study found that seafood lovers could ingest thousands of microplastic particles per year through regular consumption, with shellfish representing the highest per-serving exposure.
Microplastic pollution in seawater and marine organisms across the Tropical Eastern Pacific and Galápagos
Researchers collected water samples across a 4,000 km Pacific Ocean trajectory and found microplastics throughout, along with microplastics in fish, squid, and shrimp caught for human consumption along the coast. The study confirms widespread plastic contamination across the Tropical Eastern Pacific, including in seafood species eaten by humans.
The risks of marine micro/nano-plastics on seafood safety and human health
This review examined the risks of marine micro- and nanoplastics to seafood safety and human health, detailing how plastic particles are ingested by marine organisms and transferred through the food chain to consumers.
A global perspective on microplastic bioaccumulation in marine organisms
This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in marine organisms around the world, documenting how plastics of various sizes and types build up in seafood species. Since many of these species end up on our plates, the findings raise important questions about how much microplastic humans may be consuming through seafood.