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

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 133; pp. 336 - 348
• Main Authors: Barboza, Luís Gabriel Antão, Dick Vethaak, A., Lavorante, Beatriz R.B.O., Lundebye, Anne-Katrine, Guilhermino, Lúcia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2018
• Subjects: Additives; Emerging food contaminants; Human health; Microplastics; Seafood safety; Toxicity; Emerging food contaminants; Additives; Human health; Microplastics; Seafood safety; Toxicity
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.05.047

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.
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•Marine microplastic debris may compromise human food security, food safety and health.•Microplastics have been detected in commercial sea food and other food items and drinking water.•Research on analytical methods, toxicity and toxicokinetics in humans of micro- and nano-sized plastics is needed.•Our knowledge in this field is still far from complete.