Omar Khalid
As plastic waste continues to contaminate our oceans, the ingestion of plastic by marine life is an increasingly pervasive problem. Fish, in particular, are a good indicator of the flow of plastic pollution through marine ecosystems. This is because they are consumed by humans, and therefore act as a direct route for plastic to enter the human body. While the amount of plastic consumed by fish is likely to increase over the coming decades, researchers are optimistic that public awareness of the issue will lead to action.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of studies on plastic ingestion by fish | Over 100 |
| Number of studies on plastic ingestion by fish since 1972 | 129 |
| Number of species in the studies | 555 |
| Number of individual fish in the studies | 171,774 |
| Number of fish species that have ingested plastic | 386 |
| Number of commercially important fish species that have ingested plastic | 210 |
| Number of species affected by plastics | 700+ |
| Number of microplastics inhaled annually by the average adult | 35,000-62,000 |
| Number of microplastics in fish guts from Lake Ontario | Up to 900 |
| Number of particles in mussels eaten by Belgians annually | 11,000 |
| Number of particles in eight human feces samples | At least 1 |
| Number of particles in the placentas of unborn babies | At least 1 |
| Number of particles in the blood of 22 healthy blood donors | 17 |
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What You'll Learn
- Microplastics are found in the fillets and livers of fish species, which are consumed by humans
- The rate of plastic consumption by fish is increasing, with over 386 species known to have ingested plastic
- Humans are likely to ingest more plastic by breathing in dust or chewing on plastic items than by consuming seafood
- The presence of microplastics in fish is concerning, but the real harm is done if they move out of the gut and into the bloodstream
- Laboratory studies have shown that plastics can cause harm to the reproductive systems of fish and stress their livers
Microplastics are found in the fillets and livers of fish species, which are consumed by humans
The presence of microplastics in the world's oceans is a growing problem. Trillions of pieces of plastic are floating in the water, from the surface to the deep sea. These particles are minuscule, widely distributed, and easy for wildlife to consume, accidentally or intentionally. As a result, microplastics are ingested by many species of marine wildlife, including fish and shellfish.
Fish are a good species to track the flow of plastic pollution through marine ecosystems. Researchers have found that 386 marine fish species are known to have ingested plastic debris, including 210 species that are commercially important. This number is likely to increase over the next few decades.
Microplastics have been detected in the fillets and livers of fish species, which are consumed by humans. A study of seven species of sportfish from Lake Simcoe in Ontario, Canada, found microplastics in the stomach, fillet, and liver of each fish. Another study found that around 74% of fillets and 63% of livers had at least one microplastic present, while 99% of fish had at least one particle present in any of the three studied tissues.
The presence of microplastics in fish intended for human consumption is a major hazard that requires special focus. Microplastics can cause tissue damage, oxidative stress, and changes in immune-related gene expression, as well as antioxidant status in fish. These particles can also have negative effects on human health, although the consequences are not yet fully understood. Humans may experience oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, immune system disruption, and transfer of microplastics to other tissues after exposure.
It is important to monitor consumer consumption rates of seafood, particularly bivalves, to inform risk evaluation and management or mitigation strategies. The potential health risks of microplastics could be similar to those of engineered nanoparticles.
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The rate of plastic consumption by fish is increasing, with over 386 species known to have ingested plastic
Plastic ingestion by marine fish is a growing problem. Trillions of pieces of plastic are floating in the world's oceans, from surface waters to the deep sea. These particles, known as microplastics, are minuscule, widely distributed, and easy for marine wildlife to consume, either accidentally or intentionally.
A global analysis found 386 marine fish species that have ingested plastic debris, including 210 species of commercial importance. This means that over two-thirds of the 555 species studied had ingested plastic, while roughly one-third had not. The average quantity of plastic found was fewer than two pieces per individual at the time of capture, and fish typically egest plastic within hours or days. However, recent research has found microplastics in the fillets and livers of several species, indicating that plastics are travelling to other parts of the body, including the parts humans eat.
The rate of plastic consumption by fish is increasing, with the incidence of plastic ingestion doubling over the last decade. This increase is driven by the improved detection of smaller-sized particles and a genuine rise in the number of fish consuming plastic. The projected increase in plastic production and disposal in the coming decades is expected to exacerbate this issue globally.
The abundance of plastic in surface waters is positively correlated with plastic ingestion. Demersal species are more likely to ingest plastic in shallow waters, while pelagic species are most likely to consume plastic below the mixed layer. Mobile predatory species and those with a higher trophic level have the highest likelihood of ingesting plastic.
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Humans are likely to ingest more plastic by breathing in dust or chewing on plastic items than by consuming seafood
The presence of plastic in the oceans is a growing problem, with trillions of pieces of plastic floating in the world's oceans, from surface waters to the deep sea. These particles, known as microplastics, are minuscule, widely distributed, and easy for marine life to consume. Marine animals, including fish, mammals, birds, and turtles, are increasingly ingesting plastic, which is now also found in the human bloodstream and organs.
While the issue of plastic in the oceans is a significant concern, it is important to note that humans are likely to ingest more plastic through other means than by consuming seafood. In fact, it has been suggested that humans likely take in more plastic by breathing in dust or chewing on plastic items, such as pen caps, than by eating seafood. This is because microplastics can become airborne and are present in the air we breathe, as well as in our food and water.
One study found that an average liter bottle of water contained 240,000 tiny plastic particles, and another study estimated that adults inhale 35,000-62,000 microplastics annually. These particles can pass directly into the bloodstream and travel to other organs. Microplastics have also been found in various foodstuffs, including seafood, beef, pork, and tofu, with 88% of tested protein samples containing microplastics.
While the impact of plastic consumption on human health is not yet fully understood, it is clear that plastic ingestion is a pervasive problem for both marine life and humans. The chemicals used to produce and absorbed by plastics can be delivered into animal and human organ systems. As such, it is important to reduce plastic use and advance policies to address this issue.
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The presence of microplastics in fish is concerning, but the real harm is done if they move out of the gut and into the bloodstream
The presence of microplastics in fish is a growing concern. Trillions of pieces of plastic are floating in the world's oceans, from the surface waters to the deep sea. These particles, known as microplastics, are formed when larger plastic objects, such as shopping bags and food containers, break down. Marine fish, including species consumed by humans, are ingesting these synthetic particles, with 386 marine fish species known to have ingested plastic debris so far. This number is likely to increase over the next few decades.
While the ingestion of plastic by fish is concerning, the real harm may be caused by the movement of microplastics out of the gut and into the bloodstream and other organs. Studies have shown that microplastics can cause physical damage, such as inflammation, by jabbing and rubbing against organ walls. In addition, ingested microplastics can leach hazardous chemicals, including those added during production and environmental pollutants like pesticides, leading to health issues such as liver damage.
Research has also found that fish exposed to microplastics reproduced less, and their offspring, who were not directly exposed to plastic particles, also had lower reproduction rates, suggesting that the effects of microplastic ingestion can have intergenerational impacts. Another study found that microplastics were widespread in the fillets and livers of several fish species, indicating that plastics are not just being excreted but are also traveling to other parts of the body, including the parts consumed by humans.
The potential impact of microplastics on human health is a cause for concern. While humans may ingest microplastics through seafood consumption, it is important to note that other sources, such as drinking water, beer, salt, and even air inhalation, also contribute to microplastic exposure. The small size of microplastics allows them to migrate through the body and potentially accumulate in places like the bloodstream, as suggested by a study on hamsters, which showed that microplastic injection can lead to blood clots.
The presence of microplastics in fish highlights the widespread contamination of our environment and the potential risks to human health. While further research is needed to fully understand the impacts of microplastics, the current evidence suggests that efforts to reduce plastic emissions and exposure are crucial for the well-being of both the environment and humans.
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Laboratory studies have shown that plastics can cause harm to the reproductive systems of fish and stress their livers
As plastic waste continues to contaminate our oceans, the ingestion of plastic by marine animals, including fish, has become an increasingly pervasive problem. Laboratory studies have shown that plastics can cause harm to the reproductive systems of fish and stress their livers.
Oryzias melastigma, the second most studied fish in this context, has exhibited physical impairment due to microplastics (MPs) ingestion. This includes growth inhibition, dysbiosis of the fish gut, reduction of weight, and disturbance of the anti-oxidative condition of the liver. In addition, studies have shown that MPs can damage the reproductive organs of this fish species. Another consumable fish, Sparus aurata, has faced stress, oxidative damage, survival issues, behavioural changes, and damage to key immune system functions due to MPs ingestion.
Long-term exposure to seawater-exposed microplastics has been found to cause liver oxidative stress and inflammation in Gilthead Seabream Sparus aurata. Microplastics have also been shown to increase mercury bioconcentration in the gills and bioaccumulation in the liver of Dicentrarchus labrax juveniles, leading to oxidative stress and damage.
In a study by Hugla and Thome (1999), the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the liver ultrastructure and hepatic monooxygenases of barbel fish were investigated. They found that PCBs impacted the liver ultrastructure, altered the activity of hepatic monooxygenases, and affected reproductive success.
While the specific mechanisms and impacts may vary, these studies collectively demonstrate that plastic ingestion can have detrimental effects on the reproductive systems and livers of various fish species.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, humans are ingesting plastic because of fish. Fishery products are an important source of microplastics in the human diet.
Plastic trash in the ocean breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics. Marine animals, including fish, accidentally or intentionally consume these microplastics.
Plastic ingestion by fish can have both direct and indirect impacts on human health. Directly, humans who consume contaminated fishery products may ingest microplastics, which can reach the gastrointestinal tract and potentially lead to oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and translocation to other tissues. Indirectly, the presence of microplastics in fish can disrupt ecosystems and impact the health of soils used for agriculture.
Yes, there have been studies that have detected microplastics in various parts of the human body, including the feces, placenta, blood, and lungs. However, the data is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the risks to human health.
Reducing plastic emissions and exposure is crucial. This can be achieved through various means, such as decreasing plastic waste, improving waste management practices, and advocating for environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic.
