Rebecca Manzi A study found microplastics in 99% of the fish samples analyzed: practically every specimen examined had ingested plastic particles
A recent study has uncovered the disturbing reality: 99% of the fish samples analyzed contained microplastics, disclosing the ubiquitous spread of these pollutants in the oceans and its seafood. It was an Oregon-based research that tested different species of fish and shellfish, such as Chinook salmon, pink shrimp, and Pacific cod. Nearly every specimen analyzed had been found to ingest plastic particles.
Microplastics can be defined as plastic particles less than 0.2 inches in diameter, which are products of the fragmentation of greater plastics and vary from synthetic textile washing, cosmetic products, to particulates from tire wear.
The study established that over 80% of the identified microplastics in the fish were textile fibers, that was most likely from clothing and synthetic fabric wash. This indicates how plastic detours into the marine ecosystem via various means with possible adverse implications on aquatic life as well as human food chains.
Microplastics may carry toxic substances such as PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenol
Marine animals ingest microplastics either directly from the water or through their food. Smaller fish and shellfish that feed on plankton in coastal areas and rivers are the most contaminated species. This is because plankton, a vital food source for marine life, tends to collect plastic particles from the water, passing them along the food chain.
In contrast, larger species such as Chinook salmon showed lower levels of microplastic contamination. Researchers believe this is because the analysis was conducted only on fillets, excluding internal organs where contaminants typically accumulate.
Beyond harming marine life, microplastics pose significant risks to human health. Scientific studies have shown that these tiny plastic particles can carry toxic substances such as PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenol, which are linked to endocrine disruption, developmental issues, and potential cancer risks. Additionally, microplastics can cross human body barriers, entering the bloodstream, organs, and even the placenta, with consequences that remain largely unknown.
The urgent need for action to curb microplastic pollution
Reducing plastic use, improving water filtration systems, and promoting policies to cut microplastic emissions are crucial steps in addressing this crisis. Without concrete interventions, experts warn that by 2050, nearly all marine species could be contaminated with plastic, leading to devastating impacts on ecosystems and global health.
@Frontiersin
Source: Frontiers
