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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. Detection Methods Food & Water Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Policy & Risk Sign in to save

Microplastics in coastal areas and seafood: implications for food safety

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Inneke Hantoro Inneke Hantoro Budi Widianarko, Inneke Hantoro Budi Widianarko, Inneke Hantoro Inneke Hantoro Inneke Hantoro Inneke Hantoro Frank Van Belleghem, Ansje Löhr, Ansje Löhr, Ansje Löhr, Ansje Löhr, Inneke Hantoro Inneke Hantoro Inneke Hantoro Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ansje Löhr, Ansje Löhr, Ad M.J. Ragas, Frank Van Belleghem, Inneke Hantoro Inneke Hantoro Inneke Hantoro Ansje Löhr, Ansje Löhr, Ansje Löhr, Ansje Löhr, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Inneke Hantoro Ad M.J. Ragas, Budi Widianarko, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Budi Widianarko, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ansje Löhr, Ansje Löhr, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Budi Widianarko, Budi Widianarko, Budi Widianarko, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ansje Löhr, Budi Widianarko, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ansje Löhr, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Ad M.J. Ragas, Frank Van Belleghem, Frank Van Belleghem, Ansje Löhr, Inneke Hantoro Ansje Löhr, Budi Widianarko, Inneke Hantoro Budi Widianarko, Inneke Hantoro

Summary

This review summarizes the evidence on microplastic contamination in coastal environments and commercial seafood, assessing the implications for food safety and human health. It finds that while microplastics are widespread in seafood, the actual human health risk remains uncertain due to limited toxicological data.

Microplastics have become ubiquitous in the marine environment. Microplastics have been detected in many coastal environments and species, including commercial seafood. This triggers concern about potential economic impacts and the risks of dietary exposure, especially for coastal communities. However, data regarding the levels of microplastics in coastal seafood and their toxicological effects are still limited. Accordingly, the dietary risk is still poorly explored. This review summarizes and discusses recent scientific findings on (i) the presence of microplastics in coastal waters, (ii) the occurrence of microplastics in coastal seafood and the likelihood of trophic transfer, and (iii) the effects of microplastics on coastal fish and shellfish species. Human toxicity data are also reviewed, but the risks for human health are difficult to determine due to limited data. Based on available worldwide data, the estimation of microplastics intake through seafood consumption shows a huge variation. Additionally, a lack of standardized analytical methods complicates the comparison of results between studies and therefore seriously affects the reliability of risk assessments. It is concluded that more exposure and toxicity data are needed properly to assess human health risks of microplastics in coastal seafood, and the lack of data currently impede the derivation of a risk-based food safety standard. The pros and cons of an interim solution, i.e. setting a provisional action level, are being discussed.

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