Marine microplastic debris: An emerging issue for food security, food safety and human health

Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated the negative impacts of microplastics on wildlife. Therefore, the presence of microplastics in marine species for human consumption and the high intake of seafood (fish and shellfish) in some countries cause concern about the potential effects of microplastics on human health. In this brief review, the evidence of seafood contamination by microplastics is reviewed, and the potential consequences of the presence of microplastics in the marine environment for human food security, food safety and health are discussed. Furthermore, challenges and gaps in knowledge are identified. The knowledge on the adverse effects on human health due to the consumption of marine organisms containing microplastics is very limited, difficult to assess and still controversial. Thus, assessment of the risk posed to humans is challenging. Research is urgently needed, especially regarding the potential exposure and associated health risk to micro- and nano-sized plastics.

Abundance of plastic debris across European and Asian rivers

“…Over time, plastic debris degrades into microplastics due to photodegradation and abrasion [3], that are later ingested by aquatic fauna and small organisms, such as zooplankton. Plastic enters the food chain of humans and animals, threatening global human and ecosystem health [4,5].…”

Compostable composites of wheat stalk micro‐ and nanocrystalline cellulose and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate): Surface properties and degradation behavior

“…[1][2][3] In particular, nowadays, catastrophic deposition of fossil fuel-based commodity plastics (such as polyolefins, polyesters, polycarbonates, and foamed polystyrenes) on coastal areas find extensive discussion and these have even created unpleasant rumors. [4][5][6] The microplastics have created deeprooted concerns pertaining to possible environmental hazards and threats to human health and wellbeing of aquatic and soil organisms. In fact, the classical plastics need careful attention in terms of their management and ecofriendly recycling.…”

Towards an urban marine ecology: characterizing the drivers, patterns and processes of marine ecosystems in coastal cities

“…They can maintain their structural integrity for many years, resulting in negative effects, via ingestion or entanglement, to animals ranging from seabirds, turtles and marine mammals to crustaceans and cnidrians (Azzarello and Van Vleet 1987, Moser and Lee 1992, Bjorndal et al 1994, Jones 1995, Laist 1997, Lamb et al 2018, Mecali et al 2018 far from their point of origin. Due to ultraviolet rays, mechanical and microbial degradation, plastics eventually fragment into microplastics (Thompson et al 2004, Barnes et al 2009) that are bioavailable to suspension feeding marine organisms, including zooplankton (Browne et al 2008, Wright et al 2013, Barboza et al 2018, Botterell et al 2018.…”