A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Toxicology has revealed that microplastics present in the fish we consume are more prevalent than previously believed. Conducted by researchers from Portland State University’s Applied Coastal Ecology, the study focused on investigating the presence of “anthropogenic particles” (APs), including microplastics and microfibers, in fish and crustaceans commonly eaten by humans.
The study specifically analyzed the edible tissue of various fish species frequently caught along the Oregon coast or available in the state’s markets. These included black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink shrimp. Researchers measured the levels of microplastics in each sample and discovered that out of 182 samples collected, 180 contained APs, with only lingcod and herring being the exceptions.
One striking finding of the study was the migration of microfibers from the gut into other tissues such as muscle. Oregon State University’s ecotoxicologist Susanne Brader expressed concern over this discovery, emphasizing the potential wide-ranging implications for various organisms, potentially including humans.
Regarding the most heavily impacted species, the study highlighted that pink shrimp exhibited the highest concentrations of APs. This was attributed to their proximity to the water’s surface, where significant amounts of floating plastic are often found. Elise Granek, a professor of environmental science and management, noted that smaller organisms like shrimp and herring tended to ingest more anthropogenic, non-nutritious particles due to their diet of smaller food items like zooplankton. Previous studies have identified high plastic concentrations in areas where zooplankton accumulate, suggesting that animals feeding on zooplankton may inadvertently consume microplastics resembling their natural food source.
Despite the concerning findings, the researchers clarified that they are not recommending avoiding seafood consumption altogether. Microplastics are pervasive contaminants found in various products such as bottled water, beer, honey, beef, chicken, veggie burgers, and tofu. Therefore, the study serves as a foundational exploration for future research aimed at understanding the pathways through which these particles transfer from consumed food to humans, potentially leading to policy recommendations to mitigate their impact.
While the impact of microplastics on human health remains a subject of ongoing research, existing studies have indicated potential adverse effects on various aspects of human physiology. These include negative impacts on the digestive and respiratory systems, as well as the endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems. Some studies have even linked microplastic exposure to infertility and miscarriage.
One of the researchers involved in the study, Summer Traylor, who is now a NOAA Corps Officer, emphasized the importance of the research in establishing crucial baseline data for West Coast fisheries stakeholders. Traylor highlighted the significance of understanding the pervasive nature of microplastic pollutants and their entry into the human food chain. She emphasized the interconnectedness between human activities, environmental pollution, and the subsequent consumption of contaminated food.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the
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