Human health risk and food safety implications of microplastic consumption by fish from coastal waters of the eastern equatorial Atlantic Ocean

Ecological and Seasonal Patterns of Microplastic Ingestion in Fish Near a Port Region in the Brazilian Amazon

Current State of Research on the Prevalence of Microplastics in Aquatic Fish and Their Impact on Health

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Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination in fish across all seven continents, finding marine fish were studied 2.6 times more than freshwater species, and that microplastics trigger oxidative stress, alter biochemical pathways, and accumulate through biotransformation in fish tissues globally.

Biochemical responses and ingestion of microplastics by native fishes in the Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil

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Researchers assessed fish health along a contamination gradient in Brazil's Atlantic Forest and found that microplastic accumulation was highest in carnivorous fish at impacted midstream sites, while biochemical stress markers were elevated even in upstream areas considered relatively pristine, underscoring the need for ongoing biomonitoring.

Microplastic in fish – A global synthesis

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A global synthesis of microplastic ingestion data from marine, freshwater, and estuarine fish found that 49% of sampled fish worldwide had ingested plastic, averaging 3.5 pieces per fish, with freshwater fish and those from aquaculture sources showing higher ingestion rates than wild marine fish. This comprehensive analysis reveals that microplastic contamination of fish — a primary human protein source globally — is now the rule rather than the exception, underscoring urgent risks to food safety.

Microplastic ingestion and potential risk assessment on commercial and non-commercial marine fish in the Bay of Bengal

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Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in six coral reef fish species from Saint Martin's Island in the Bay of Bengal, finding 100% occurrence rates, with 4-10 microplastics per gastrointestinal tract dominated by polypropylene and polyethylene fibers, and polymer hazard index scores classifying all species in the high-risk 'Danger' category.