0
0
Portland, OR — New research from Portland State University (PSU) reveals that microplastic contamination is widespread in the seafood consumed by humans. The study, conducted by PSU’s Applied Coastal Ecology Lab, underscores the growing issue of microplastics infiltrating the food chain, and calls for urgent action to curb microfiber pollution in the environment.
Led by Elise Granek, professor of environmental science and management, the PSU team previously focused on microplastics in bivalves like oysters and clams. This latest research, which expanded to include finfish and crustaceans, aims to understand the impact of microplastic contamination in Oregon’s seafood species.
The Scope of the Study
The study, published in Frontiers in Toxicology, found that microplastics are not only affecting marine life but are also entering the human food supply. The researchers examined six species of economic and cultural significance: black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink shrimp. The team, led by Summer Traylor, an environmental management graduate, and undergraduate Marilyn Duncan, discovered microplastic particles in 180 of 182 fish and shellfish samples.
Microplastics, mostly in the form of fibers, were found in the edible tissues of these species. The highest levels were found in pink shrimp, followed by other smaller species like Pacific herring. Chinook salmon exhibited the lowest levels of contamination. The findings suggest that smaller organisms, which consume zooplankton that may contain microplastics, are more likely to accumulate these harmful particles.
Microplastics in Processed Seafood
While some initial assumptions suggested that handling and packaging could introduce additional microplastics, the researchers found varied results. When fillets and shrimp were rinsed to simulate typical home preparation, some surface contaminants were washed away. Nevertheless, the study confirmed the presence of microplastics within the tissues of the seafood.
Susanne Brander, an ecotoxicologist at Oregon State University, expressed concern over the movement of microfibers from the gut into muscle tissue. “This has wide implications for other organisms, potentially including humans too,” she warned.
Environmental Implications and the Need for Action
The study highlights the pervasive nature of microplastics in the environment and their eventual impact on human health. As microplastics continue to enter marine ecosystems, they pose a significant threat to biodiversity and the health of food chains. Granek emphasizes that microplastics are not confined to marine life but are part of a much broader environmental issue.
“If we are disposing of and utilizing products that release microplastics, those microplastics make their way into the environment, and are taken up by things we eat,” Granek said. “What we put out into the environment ends up back on our plates.”
Path Forward: Solutions for Reducing Microplastic Pollution
In response to these alarming findings, Granek’s lab is working on solutions to reduce microplastic pollution. One key initiative involves a $1.9 million NOAA-funded project aimed at developing cost-effective filtration systems for household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and clothes dryers. Another project, supported by Oregon Sea Grant, is focused on installing filters in stormwater drains in coastal towns to prevent microplastic runoff from entering waterways.
“We’re continuing to work on understanding the effects of anthropogenic particles on animals,” Granek said, “but we’re also testing practical solutions to reduce microplastics entering our ecosystems.”
A Call for Further Research
As researchers continue to study the movement of microplastics in marine species and explore methods for reducing pollution, the need for policy changes becomes increasingly clear. Granek stresses that the research provides critical baseline data for fisheries stakeholders along the West Coast, but much more remains to be done.
“The study emphasizes how much we still do not know about microplastics, and the urgent need for further research,” said Traylor, who has since joined the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
While the findings may be alarming, Granek cautions against avoiding seafood altogether. Instead, she urges a collective effort to reduce microplastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
By continuing research and implementing practical solutions, scientists hope to ensure that seafood remains a safe, healthy choice for consumers and the environment alike.
