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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Effects of Microplastics on Fish and in Human Health

Frontiers in Environmental Science 2022 476 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Md. Simul Bhuyan

Summary

This review summarizes how microplastics affect both fish and humans, covering tissue damage, oxidative stress, immune disruption, and neurotoxicity. Fish are a major source of protein for people worldwide, so when microplastics contaminate fish, humans are exposed through their diet. The research highlights that while the toxic effects on fish are becoming clearer, much less is known about the long-term health consequences for people who eat contaminated seafood.

Microplastics (MPs) are regarded as a global issue due to their toxicity effects on fish and humans. Fish is a vital origin of human protein, which is necessary for body growth. Contamination of fish by MPs is a major hazard that requires special focus. After exposure to MPs alone or in combination with other pollutants, fish may experience a variety of health issues. MPs can cause tissue damage, oxidative stress, and changes in immune-related gene expression as well as antioxidant status in fish. After being exposed to MPs, fish suffer from neurotoxicity, growth retardation, and behavioral abnormalities. The consequences of MPs on human health are poorly understood. Due to the abundance of MPs in environment, exposure may occur via consumption, inhalation, and skin contact. Humans may experience oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, immune system disruption, and transfer of MPs to other tissues after being exposed to them. The toxic effects of MPs in both fish and human are still unknown. This detailed review has the potential to add to existing knowledge about the ecotoxicity effects of MPs in both fish and humans, which will be useful for the forthcoming study.

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