Microplastics in Seafood and the Implications for Human Health

Madeleine Smith, David C Love, Chelsea M Rochman, Roni A Neff, Madeleine Smith, David C Love, Chelsea M Rochman, Roni A Neff

Abstract

Purpose of review: We describe evidence regarding human exposure to microplastics via seafood and discuss potential health effects.

Recent findings: Shellfish and other animals consumed whole pose particular concern for human exposure. If there is toxicity, it is likely dependent on dose, polymer type, size, surface chemistry, and hydrophobicity. Human activity has led to microplastic contamination throughout the marine environment. As a result of widespread contamination, microplastics are ingested by many species of wildlife including fish and shellfish. Because microplastics are associated with chemicals from manufacturing and that sorb from the surrounding environment, there is concern regarding physical and chemical toxicity. Evidence regarding microplastic toxicity and epidemiology is emerging. We characterize current knowledge and highlight gaps. We also recommend mitigation and adaptation strategies targeting the life cycle of microplastics and recommend future research to assess impacts of microplastics on humans. Addressing these research gaps is a critical priority due to the nutritional importance of seafood consumption.

Keywords: Fish; Human health impacts; Microplastics; Ocean; Seafood; Toxicology.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

Madeleine Smith, David C. Love, Chelsea M. Rochman, and Roni A. Neff declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
An example of how microplastics could end up on a consumer’s plate (Reproduced with permission from Maphoto/Riccardo Pravettoni; originally published by Marine Litter GRID-ADRENAL, available at www.grida.no/resources/6915

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