We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Existence of microplastics in the edible part of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated that microplastics can transfer into the edible body wall of sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus), entering through the outer surface and potentially posing a threat to human health through seafood consumption.
Microplastics (MPs; ≤ 5 mm) have become a potential threat to human health due to the widespread detection of MPs in foods consumed by humans. Here, we investigated the potential of MP occurrence in the main edible part of the most valuable species of sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus). Laboratory experiments showed that fluorescent MPs and microfibers (MFs) could transfer into the body wall of the sea cucumber. The evidence revealed that these MPs enter the body wall via the outer surface. Although these MPs decreased after the sea cucumbers were transferred to clean water, traces of MPs (at least one MP particle) were found up to 60 d post-transfer. To validate these laboratory observations, sea cucumber samples were collected from the field. MPs were found in 86% of live and processed sea cucumber samples. The MP abundances in the field samples ranged from 0-15 MPs animal and 0-2 MP g. The isolated MPs were mainly MFs, constituting 81% of MPs, followed by fragments, films, and beads. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the polymer composition of the isolated MPs mainly included rayon, followed by polyester and chlorinated polyethylene. The findings of this study demonstrated that the body walls of farmed and processed sea cucumbers contain MPs, thus highlighting the need to control MP pollution during the farming and processing of sea cucumbers.
More Papers Like This
Preliminary study of microplastics content in the digestive tract of sea cucumber from Demak Waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Sea cucumbers collected from Demak Waters, Indonesia, were found to contain microplastics in their digestive tracts. Since sea cucumbers are eaten raw in many cultures, this finding raises direct concerns about human microplastic exposure through seafood consumption.
Fate of Microplastic Fibers in the Coelomic Fluid of the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic fibers were found to enter the coelomic fluid of sea cucumbers and move between internal tissues, suggesting that these commercially important marine animals can internalize and redistribute microplastics throughout their bodies.
Effect of chronic exposure to microplastic fibre ingestion in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus
AI summary Read the abstract
Sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) were chronically exposed to microplastic fibers to evaluate effects on growth and physiology over time. The study found that microfiber ingestion affected the sea cucumbers' health, with implications for echinoderm populations in habitats where microfibres are the dominant microplastic shape.
Microplastic fibers transfer from the water to the internal fluid of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus
AI summary Read the abstract
Sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) were found to transfer microfibers from the water to their coelomic fluid via the respiratory tree, with fibers either accumulating in the respiratory tree or translocating to the internal body fluid. The study reveals a direct internal pathway for microfiber exposure in sea cucumbers, raising concern about translocation to body tissues.
Microplastic ingestion by the farmed sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus in China
AI summary Read the abstract
Sea cucumbers farmed along China's Bohai and Yellow Seas were found to ingest microplastics, with particles also detected in their coelomic fluid — suggesting internal translocation beyond the gut. The findings indicate farmed sea cucumbers may serve as useful sentinels for monitoring sediment microplastic pollution at aquaculture sites.
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.