Challenges to Aquatic Food Source Sustainability: Investigating the Bioaccumulation of Microplastics of Tilapia and Mussels

Microplastics are small plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, have emerged as a pervasive environmental pollutant in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Food from aquatic sources has been contaminated. This study investigates the microplastics from food aquatic resources and the potential consequences for human health. By conducting field sampling and laboratory analysis, the researchers evaluate the distribution and prevalence of microplastics in Tilapia and Mussels caught from Laguna de Bay. The researchers utilized the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy on analysing the data and to create a comprehensive interpretation of results. The results show that microplastics are present in the intestine of the caught samples for both Tilapia and Mussels. These findings provide insight into the composition of the sample, highlighting the presence of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), with the Infrared spectrum of the sample matches that of chlorinated polyethylene, which is a type of microplastic. This shows that when cooked and eaten, contaminated aquatic food can deliver microplastics to the human body through bioaccumulation. This could also result to biomagnification of the ingested microplastics as the humans consume more of this aquatic food source. When an individual ingests a microplastics it could manifest to diseases and lead to serious complications like Cardiovascular Disease, Impaired Kidney and Liver function, Development of Metabolic Disorders, Neurological Effects and Reproductive and Developmental Issues. Further evaluation on the types of microplastics present among other aquatic food sources must be investigated as well.