Microplastic pollution in edible aquatic organisms and its consequences for human and environmental health

The increased production and consumption of plastics worldwide have led to considerable microplastic pollution, which now stands out as one of the global environmental challenges. The present study aimed at determining the extent of microplastic contamination in edible fish and the consequences for human health and the environment. During spring and summer in the year ۲۰۲۴, ۵۰ fish samples (Scomberomorus commerson) were randomly collected from five diverse locations along key ports in Bushehr province (namely Bushehr Port, Genaveh Port, Dayyer Port, Kangan Port, and Bushehr Sea areas). Samples were taken from muscle, liver, and digestive tract tissues; after chemical treatment, microplastic particles were counted and classified using filtering and microscopy. The results indicated that all samples were contaminated by microplastics, and particle density was greatest in digestive tract tissue. The microplastics were found chiefly as colored fibers, which were possibly released from industrial threads, fishing nets, and plastic waste. Furthermore, muscle tissue, which is directly consumed by humans, was found with a grievous degree of contamination. Persistence of this contamination along the food chain and its possible consequences on human health warrant serious consideration. The research findings suggest the need to adopt established policies to counter the menace of plastic pollution, continuous environmental monitoring, and promotion of the culture of reduced consumption of single-use plastic.

کلیدواژه ها:

Microplastics ، Scomberomorus commerson ، Marine pollution ، Environmental ، Plastic fibers