Microplastics (MPs) and anthropogenic particles (APs) exist in all environments, encompassing the atmosphere we breathe and the liquids we consume. Research shows that microplastics now exist in seafood which creates serious concerns about this situation. Scientists have established that synthetic debris from clothing materials and packaging waste, along with industrial waste, has entered the edible parts of marine organisms.

The Frontiers in Toxicology published research that evaluated how extensively anthropogenic particles polluted seafood species that people commonly eat in U.S. West Coast regions. Scientists analyzed fish and shrimp obtained straight from fishing ships and then evaluated them against seafood samples from retail stores to trace pollution sources. The research reveals important pathways that microplastics follow to reach food consumers, along with highlighting the necessity for establishing proper mitigation programs.

Study Overview

The research investigated the AP contamination levels found in the edible parts of Black rockfish, Lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey and Pink shrimp species. Research teams analyzed both vessel-retrieved and retail-purchased seafood samples to investigate how much contamination seafood accumulates throughout industrial processing operations, through which scientists determined how contaminant levels change at different ecological levels. 

Study species clockwise from top left: Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus), black rockfish (Sebastes melanops), pink shrimp (Pandalus jordani), Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus), and Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii).

Key Findings

The study revealed that 180 out of 182 seafood samples contained APs, confirming the widespread presence of these contaminants. Some key findings include:

• Contamination levels

• Finfish: 0.02–1.08 AP/g of muscle tissue.

• Pink shrimp: 10.68 AP/g (vessel-retrieved) vs. 7.63 AP/g (retail).

• Pacific lamprey: Higher APs in riverine juveniles (1 AP/g) vs. ocean-phase adults (0.60 AP/g).

• Anthropogenic particle types

• 82% fibers, 17% fragments, 0.66% films were found in the samples.

• The majority of APs were synthetic microplastics, including polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

• Retail processing impact

• Some retail-purchased seafood contained higher AP levels than vessel-retrieved samples.

• The findings suggest potential contamination during seafood handling, storage, and packaging.

How Microplastics Enter Our Food Chain

Microplastics and APs enter seafood through multiple pathways:

1. Direct ingestion – Filter-feeders like shrimp consume microplastics mistaken for food, leading to high contamination levels in their tissues.

2. Trophic transfer – Predatory fish accumulate APs by consuming smaller, contaminated organisms.

3. Post-harvest contamination – Plastic packaging, processing, and storage methods can introduce additional microplastics into seafood products.

Advanced Sample Processing in the Study for Microplastic Detection

To accurately quantify AP contamination in seafood, researchers relied on advanced laboratory techniques, including:

• Vacuum filtration – Used to separate microplastics from digested seafood tissue.

• Sieving technology – Applied to remove larger particles and isolate APs for accurate quantification.

• FTIR spectroscopy – Used to confirm the polymer composition of suspected microplastics.

These techniques are critical in understanding the extent of microplastic contamination and developing effective mitigation strategies.

Implications for Seafood Consumers and Industry

The discovery of APs in edible seafood creates vital concerns about food safety and standards in seafood industries. Research continues to study the long-term impacts of microplastic consumption on human health; evidence already shows that these substances can transfer toxic chemicals from water. The integration of retail processing operations and plastic packaging introduces extra contamination that makes developing new materials a necessity. Small fish and shrimp from lower portions of the food chain demonstrate higher pollution rates because they consume material from their environment. Having identified contamination risks, the industry needs to enhance its packaging procedures and processing techniques to protect public health. Consumers should also select safer seafood options whenever possible because of potential exposure threats.

Policy and Technological Solutions for Reducing Microplastic Contamination

Regulatory Action

The implementation of eco-friendly sustainable packaging types, such as biodegradable materials with non-plastic solutions can help lower contamination risks. Policymakers can reduce both the environmental and health impacts of microplastic pollution through proper enforcement of established measures.

Technological Advancements

Current technological advancements function as vital elements to decrease microplastic contamination throughout the environment. Specific washing machine filters installed to trap microfibers in front of their entry into waterways successfully diminish plastic substance waste before it reaches marine ecosystems. Wind and rainwater filtration systems function as traps by capturing road sediment microplastics before the ocean receives them. The development of biodegradable packaging materials and reusable seafood containers assists in reducing contaminants that occur during food storage and sea transportation. The deployment of these technological solutions offers a substantial reduction of microplastics in seafood while preserving marine environments.

Consumer Recommendations

Consumers can actively lower their exposure to microplastics when consuming seafood products. The selection of local whole seafood helps lower the possibility of plastic contamination during packaging. A simple wash and rinse of seafood before eating will eliminate contaminants that reside on the surface. The market adoption of sustainable seafood brands that practice environmental responsibility results in improved industry methods for waste management and better packaging solutions. Consumers who practice a knowledgeable selection of food products can protect both their food safety and participate in decreasing microplastic contamination.

MSE Supplies provides high-quality laboratory and analytical equipment essential for microplastic research and environmental studies:

• Spectrometers & Spectrophotometers (FTIR, UV-Vis) – Used to analyze and characterize microplastics in biological and environmental samples.

• Vacuum Filtration & Sieving Equipment – Essential for isolating and quantifying microplastics from seafood tissue.

• Analytical Services – Supporting research efforts with expert testing solutions for microplastic contamination studies.

By equipping researchers with the tools they need, MSE Supplies plays a vital role in advancing microplastic research and finding solutions to environmental contamination.

Microplastic contamination in seafood is an urgent issue that requires collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders. Research efforts have shed light on the complete AP pollution scale, but proactive strategies need to be established to protect ocean life and protect human wellness.

MSE Supplies is committed to supporting scientific advancements that address environmental challenges. Stay informed about the latest research and explore high-quality laboratory solutions at MSE Supplies. 

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Source:

• Traylor, S. D., Granek, E. F., Duncan, M., & Brander, S. M. (2024). From the ocean to our kitchen table: anthropogenic particles in the edible tissue of U.S. West Coast seafood species. Frontiers in Toxicology, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2024.1469995

• Microplastics widespread in seafood Oregonians eat, PSU study finds | Portland State University. (n.d.). https://www.pdx.edu/news/microplastics-widespread-seafood-oregonians-eat-psu-study-finds