We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
From plastics to microplastics and organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the journey of plastics from large debris to microplastics and their accumulation in marine organisms like mussels and fish. Researchers found that plastics degrade very slowly in natural marine environments and rarely break down completely, becoming widespread pollutants detected in seafood worldwide. The study highlights that both virgin microplastics and those carrying adsorbed pollutants pose health risks to marine organisms that ingest them.
The amount of plastic waste and microplastics released into marine environments has increased rapidly in recent decades. The durability of plastic materials results in major problems following their release into the environment. This study provides an overview of recent findings on issues related to plastic degradation, the accumulation of microplastics in mussels and fishes, and the toxicological effects associated with the ingestion of microplastics. These findings confirm the serious problem of slowly degrading plastics (which rarely degrade fully) in natural marine environments. Microplastics have become widespread pollutants and have been detected in mussels and fish around the world. Microplastic particles, whether virgin or with adsorbed pollutants on their surfaces, pose a health problem after being ingested by marine organisms. This paper ends by highlighting the need for certain improvements in studies of these phenomena.
More Papers Like This
A global perspective on microplastic bioaccumulation in marine organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastics as contaminants in commercially important seafood species
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes evidence that microplastic ingestion is widespread in commercially important seafood species including mollusks, crustaceans, and fish. Evidence indicates that microplastics can affect physiology, reproductive success, and survival in marine organisms, and may also act as vectors for chemical pollutants. The study highlights the potential for human exposure to microplastics through seafood consumption, though the full health implications remain to be determined.
Microplastics in coastal and marine environments: A critical issue of plastic pollution on marine organisms, seafood contaminations, and human health implications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review highlights the serious threat microplastics pose to marine life and the millions of people who depend on seafood as a primary protein source. Marine organisms, especially filter-feeders like oysters and mussels, accumulate microplastics that can cause tissue damage, oxidative stress, immune changes, and behavioral problems. Since these shellfish are often eaten raw, any toxins they accumulate -- including microplastics -- pass directly to humans.
Microplastic pollution in the marine environment: Sources, impacts, and degradation.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on microplastic pollution in the ocean, covering sources, effects on marine life, and degradation. Microplastics harm marine organisms across the food chain, from plankton to fish, affecting their growth, reproduction, immune systems, and behavior. Since humans consume many of these marine species, the widespread contamination raises concerns about microplastic exposure through seafood.
Microplastics in marine organism
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines microplastic contamination in marine organisms, systematically cataloguing data from the literature on particle counts and concentrations found in fish and other marine species. The study highlights the ecological significance of microplastic ingestion given that humans occupy the top of the marine food chain and are consequently exposed through seafood consumption.
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.