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Investigating microplastics bioaccumulation and biomagnification in seafood from the Persian Gulf: a threat to human health?
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Researchers investigated microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification in five commercially important seafood species from the Persian Gulf, examining both muscle tissue and gills. They found microplastics present in all species, with evidence suggesting potential trophic transfer through the marine food web. The study estimates that regular consumption of these seafood species could represent a notable pathway for human microplastic exposure in the region.
High bioavailability of microplastics (MPs) in the marine environment has raised serious concern during the last few decades. Nevertheless, the trophic transfer of MPs within edible parts of the marine food webs remain unknown. In this study, bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and potential human intake of MPs in muscles and gills of five popular commercial species (3 fish, 1 crab, and 1 prawn) from the Persian Gulf were investigated. The surface structure characteristics of the material and elemental composition signatures were used to screen for likely MPs and rule out non-plastics. Among the studied species, Penaeus semisulcatus and Epinephelus coioides displayed the highest (mean 0.360 items/g muscle) and lowest (mean 0.158 items/g muscle) MPs level in their muscles, respectively. The number of extracted MPs from the gills was higher than the muscle of the analyzed species, especially when it comes to scavengers and filter feeders such as (Liza klunzingeri, Portunus armatus, and P. semisulcatus).The results of the trophic magnification factor (TMF) and biomagnification factor (BMF) calculation indicated that MPs were not biomagnified in edible parts of the marine food web of the Persian Gulf. Hence, contrary to previous belief, MPs trophic dilution occurs rather than magnification in edible parts of seafood. The assessment of human intake of MPs highlights the possible risks posed by seafood consumption to the the human population depending to a great extent on a seafood diet. Considering possible physical and chemical toxicity of MPs and their associated contaminants, routine consumption of high doses of the studied seafood should be controlled for vulnerable groups such as pregnant/lactating women and their children to ensure their safety.
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Researchers analyzed multiple tissues of commercially important fish and prawns from the Persian Gulf and found microplastics present in guts, skin, muscle, gills, and liver across all species examined. The type and abundance of microplastics varied by species and sampling location, with bottom-dwelling fish accumulating the most particles. The findings are notable because they show microplastics penetrate beyond the digestive tract into edible muscle tissue, which is directly relevant to human consumption.
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