We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessing Age-Specific Variability in Microplastic Intake Through Seafood Consumption: A Case Study in Central Java, Indonesia.
Summary
Researchers used Monte Carlo simulations combined with seafood consumption surveys of 982 residents in Semarang, Indonesia, finding that bivalves and crabs dominate microplastic intake across age groups, and that adolescents face the highest exposure — with daily intake reaching up to 427 particles per person at the 99.5th percentile.
Microplastics (MPs) are frequently detected in seafood. However, the extent to which seafood consumption contributes to MP intake remains uncertain. Previous studies on MP intake in humans did not consider interindividual variability in exposure. The present study aimed to identify which types of seafood contribute most to the long-term average MP intake of residents of Semarang city in Indonesia, and to determine which groups have the highest exposure level. We utilized published data on MP concentrations in locally caught seafood, where MPs were quantified by microscopy and polymer types were confirmed by μ-FTIR under strict analytical quality assurance measures. These data were then combined with seafood consumption data from questionnaires and 24 h dietary recalls in 982 respondents of various age groups. Estimates of microplastic intake were derived using a Monte Carlo simulation (10,000 iterations), with species-specific mean microplastic concentrations as fixed inputs and seafood consumption sampled from a lognormal distribution. Parameter importance was explored through a sensitivity analysis. Bivalves significantly contribute to MP intake, especially for adolescents (31%) and adults (26.4%). Crabs are the main contributor for toddlers (49.4%) and the elderly (32.7%). Shrimps also contribute substantially to children's MP intake (30.6%). Adolescents are the most exposed age group, with daily intakes at the 99.5th percentile reaching up to 427 particles per person. In contrast, children and toddlers, although consuming smaller per-person amounts, showed the highest intake of MPs per kilogram bodyweight (MP·kg·bw·y), that is, 1.9 and 1.6 times higher than adults, respectively. Hence, children and toddlers are the most vulnerable groups in terms of exposure.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Environmental health risk analysis of microplastics due to consumption of squid and mussels at coastal area
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in mussels and squid from a coastal area in Indonesia and assessed the potential health risks to local communities who consume these seafood products. They found 23 microplastic particles across the samples, primarily fibers made of polyethylene and polypropylene. Statistical modeling showed a significant link between microplastic concentrations in the seafood, intake rates, and health risk indicators for the consuming population.
The spatial distribution and physico-chemical characteristic of microplastics in the sediment and cockle (Anadara granosa) from the coastal waters of East Java, Indonesia, and the health hazards associated with cockle consumption
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in coastal sediments and cockles along the East Java coast of Indonesia and assessed the potential health risks from consuming the shellfish. They found microplastics, predominantly fibers and fragments, in all sediment and cockle tissue samples, with consumers potentially ingesting tens of thousands of microplastic particles per year. The findings raise concerns about dietary microplastic exposure for communities that regularly eat shellfish from these waters.
Distribution of Microplastics in Coastal Waters and Their Implications for the Marine Food Chain
Researchers sampled surface water, sediments, and marine organisms from urban, industrial, and conservation coastal zones in Indonesia to assess microplastic distribution and food chain implications. Industrial zones had the highest microplastic concentrations, and filter feeders accumulated more particles than fin fish, indicating distinct exposure pathways through the marine food web.
Occurrence, sources and potential human health risk of microplastics in seafood species
Researchers measured microplastic occurrence in seafood products available in local markets, identifying plastics in multiple species including fish, shrimp, and bivalves, and estimated potential human dietary intake based on consumption data. The study found that seafood lovers could ingest thousands of microplastic particles per year through regular consumption, with shellfish representing the highest per-serving exposure.
Microplastic Abundance in Edible Crabs and Gastropods on the Blanakan Coast
Researchers sampled water, sediment, crabs, and gastropods along the Blanakan coast of Indonesia and detected microplastics in all sample types, with fragments, films, fibers, and pellets all present — suggesting widespread contamination that poses a food safety concern for local seafood consumed by humans.