Alexei Volkov
Fish and chips, a beloved staple in the UK, could be affected by plastic contamination. Microplastics, which range in size from 5mm to 10 nanometres, are found in the edible tissue of many fish species. These tiny plastic particles are consumed by fish at all levels of the food chain, from plankton to predatory fish. Studies have found microplastics in a significant proportion of fish, with some research suggesting that smaller fish contain more microplastics per gram of tissue. While the health risks of microplastics in seafood are not yet fully understood, there is growing concern about their potential impact on both marine ecosystems and human health. With seafood consumption on the rise and plastic pollution showing no signs of abating, addressing this issue is crucial to protect the viability of seafood as a source of nutrition for millions worldwide.
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics are ingested by fish at all levels of the food chain
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that float in the air, contaminate the food we eat, and the water we drink. They are ingested by humans and marine life, including fish and shellfish. Fishery products are a significant source of microplastics in the human diet.
The smallest fish were found to contain more microplastics per gram of tissue. This is because microplastics are physical particles, and unlike dissolved organic chemicals, they do not decrease as they move up the food chain. Therefore, smaller fish that are lower on the food chain are likely to have more microplastics in their systems.
The ingestion of microplastics by fish is a growing concern due to the potential health risks associated with microplastic toxicity. Microplastics can release chemical substances and act as carriers of microorganisms, which can cause harm to humans. However, the data on the risks of microplastic ingestion is still limited, and there is no evidence of harm to humans from current levels of exposure.
The increasing demand for seafood, coupled with the widespread contamination of the oceans with plastic, underscores the urgency of addressing our reliance on single-use plastics and finding solutions to reduce plastic emissions into the environment.
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Plastic in fish poses a risk to human health
The presence of microplastics in seafood poses a major hazard to human health. Fish is a vital source of protein for humans, and contamination by microplastics is a significant concern. After exposure to microplastics, fish may experience a variety of health issues, including tissue damage, oxidative stress, and changes in immune-related gene expression. These health issues in fish may have severe impacts on humans who eat fish as a major part of their diet.
Microplastics can also release chemical substances, such as organic and inorganic compounds, that have the potential to be toxic to humans. These chemical additives in plastic may cause toxic effects, and there is concern that microplastics could transfer hazardous chemicals to humans. While the overall risks to human health from ingesting microplastics in fish are currently believed to be low, it is important to recognize that the presence of microplastics in aquatic environments will inevitably increase.
The impact of microplastics on human health is still uncertain, and further studies are needed to fully understand the risks. However, the possible consequences of microplastic ingestion cannot be ignored, and it is urgent that researchers continue to study this issue to protect human health and the environment.
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Plastic ingestion by fish can cause starvation and gut damage
Plastic ingestion by fish is a growing problem, with at least 92 fish species reported to have ingested plastic. The first records of plastic ingestion in fish date back to the 1970s, when fish were observed consuming opaque polystyrene plastic in the coastal waters of southern New England, USA. The problem has only worsened since then, with plastic now ubiquitous in the environment, from the air we breathe to the water we drink.
Plastic ingestion by fish can occur both intentionally and accidentally. Predatory fish may mistake plastic for food, while filter-feeders may unintentionally ingest plastic while feeding. Plastic ingestion has been observed in predatory fish such as bigeye tuna in the North Atlantic and filter-feeders such as herring and horse mackerel in the North Sea and English Channel. The percentage of fish that have ingested plastics varies between 2.6 and 36.5%, depending on the area and methods used for counting and extracting plastic from the gastrointestinal tract.
The ingestion of plastic can lead to prolonged gastric evacuation time, reduced food ingestion, lower energy accumulation, and energy depletion. This is particularly true for secondary microplastics, which often contain sharp edges and irregular shapes that can cause physical damage to the gastrointestinal tract of fish. Studies have shown that fish that ingest nanoparticles exhibit behavioral changes, moving and hunting slower, and taking twice as long to feed. In addition, nanoparticles can cause disturbances in lipid metabolism, resulting in weight differences and altered triglyceride-cholesterol ratios.
The accumulation of plastic in the gastrointestinal tract of fish can also lead to partial blockages, impairing the satiation signal and resulting in starvation. While the extent and rate of plastic passage through the gastrointestinal tract are not yet fully understood, it has been suggested that plastic accumulation may hamper buoyancy control and cause internal ulcerations. With billions of people relying on seafood for sustenance and financial security, the impact of plastic ingestion on fish health is a significant concern.
While the immediate threat to humans from consuming seafood containing microplastics is thought to be low, the potential long-term effects on human health are still unclear and require further study.
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Plastic pollution in the oceans is increasing
Plastic pollution in the oceans is a pressing environmental issue that is increasing. The production of plastic has grown exponentially since its inception in the early 20th century, with an estimated 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste currently in our oceans. The primary source of plastic pollution in the ocean is littering, with individuals failing to properly dispose of disposable plastic items such as food wrappings, plastic bags, bottles, and other single-use plastics. In addition, about 20% of ocean plastic pollution comes from industrial fishing, and a significant amount of plastic waste is a result of improper manufacturing processes.
The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and human health is significant. Plastic has been found in a third of UK-caught fish, including cod, haddock, mackerel, and shellfish. Microplastics, which range in size from 5mm to 10 nanometres, are of particular concern as they are small enough to be ingested by fish and other marine organisms. These microplastics can transfer from the gut to the fillet of a fish, and have been found in significant quantities in wild fish. In fact, research suggests that smaller fish contain more microplastics per gram of tissue.
The presence of plastic in the ocean is not just a result of littering but also improper waste management. Approximately half of all plastic waste is sent to landfills, and an additional fifth is mismanaged, meaning it is not recycled, incinerated, or stored in sealed landfills. This mismanaged waste is vulnerable to leaking into rivers, lakes, and oceans, with middle-income countries, particularly in Asia, contributing the most plastic emissions to the ocean. The economic costs of plastic in the ocean are substantial, estimated to be between $6-19 billion USD annually.
While the full risks of plastic ingestion by fish are not yet fully understood, it is clear that plastic pollution in the oceans is a growing problem that requires urgent attention. Initiatives to curb ocean plastic pollution range from grassroots beach clean-ups to international agreements, such as the United Nations Environment Assembly's agreement to develop a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. Additionally, organizations like Ocean Conservancy are advocating for more dramatic changes, including the reduction in plastic production and consumption, as well as outright bans on single-use plastics.
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Plastic is found in a third of UK-caught fish
The study caused concern among Britons, with campaign group A Plastic Planet lobbying UK supermarkets to create plastic-free aisles. The UK government is also considering a refundable deposit on plastic bottles, and some companies, like Johnson & Johnson, have switched from plastic to paper packaging. However, the issue of plastic in fish is not unique to the UK. Contaminated fish and shellfish have been found in Europe, Canada, Brazil, and the coast of Malaysia.
The primary source of plastic in fish is microplastics, tiny plastic particles that come from various sources, including "nurdles" (raw plastic pellets used in manufacturing), microbeads in cosmetic products, microfibres from synthetic clothing, and single-use plastic packaging. These microplastics are too small to be filtered out of wastewater systems and end up in the sea, where fish ingest them. While the health risks of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, there is concern for both marine ecosystems and human health.
Research has shown that microplastics can transfer from a fish's gut to its fillet, with 74% of fillets and 63% of livers containing at least one microplastic particle. Smaller fish tend to have more microplastics per gram of tissue, and certain commercially fished species, like common sole, are of high concern due to their frequent plastic ingestion. While there is limited data from some regions, the scope and severity of the problem are likely underestimated, and filling these knowledge gaps is crucial.
Overall, the presence of plastic in a third of UK-caught fish highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its impact on marine life and human health. While some efforts are being made to reduce plastic waste and encourage recycling, more comprehensive actions are required to mitigate the risks associated with plastic ingestion by fish.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic has been found in many fish species, including those commonly consumed by humans. Microplastics, in particular, have been detected in the edible tissue of fish, with some studies finding microplastic presence in up to 99% of fish samples.
Fish often mistake microplastics for food, such as mistaking plastic pellets for fish eggs. Plastic can also become mixed in with their food or ingested indirectly by eating other fish that have consumed plastic. Plastic particles can enter the fish's gastrointestinal tract and even transfer to other parts of the body, including the parts humans consume.
The health risks of consuming fish with plastic are not yet fully understood. Current evidence suggests that the risks to human health from ingesting microplastics in fish are low, and the quantities are minimal. However, microplastics can have toxic effects on humans, impacting the lungs, gut, and reproductive systems. More research is needed to fully assess the risks, and it is crucial to reduce plastic pollution to protect both fish and human health.
