Microplastics and human health

Vethaak, A.D.; Legler, Juliette

doi:10.1126/science.abe5041

Cited by 648 publications

(313 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…The mechanisms behind this uptake, and the link between long term exposure of microplastic, and the potential for chemicals to translocate is still understudied, and requires more research effort in the future (Ory et al, 2018;Smith et al, 2018). Furthermore, the risk of consumption of microplastic from a human health perspective is still far from being well understood (Smith et al, 2018;Vethaak and Legler, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comparison of Microplastic in Fish From Australia and Fiji

et al. 2021

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Awareness surrounding plastic pollution has increased significantly in the past decade, leading to concerns on potential adverse effects on biota, including the consumption of microplastic by fish. Globally, plastic has been found in many species of fish, but little research has been undertaken in the southern hemisphere. We assessed the abundance and type of plastic in fish captured and sold for human consumption in Australia and Fiji. Fish (goatfish, sea mullet, paddletail, and common coral trout) had their gastrointestinal tracts dissected and microplastic quantified under a microscope. Plastic polymer types were confirmed using μ-FTIR. In Australia, plastic was found in 61.6% of fish gastrointestinal tracts, while in Fiji, 35.3% of fish had plastic. Fish from Australia had almost double the amount of plastic on average than fish caught in Fiji, with 1.58 (± 0.23) pieces per fish in Australia compared to 0.86 (± 0.14) in fish caught in Fiji. The types of plastic differed between countries, with fibers comprising 83.6% of microplastic pieces in fish from Australia whereas 50% of microplastic found in fish from Fiji was film. Polyolefin was the most abundant polymer type in both fibers from Australia and film from Fiji. We hypothesize variations in abundance and plastic type are a reflection of the population density and coastal geomorphology, but may also be a result of legislation and waste management strategies in the two countries. This work adds evidence to the pervasive presence of plastic in fish gastrointestinal tracts, reinforcing the urgent need for efficient plastic waste management, but also a better understanding of the impacts of microplastic on marine biota.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comparison of Microplastic in Fish From Australia and Fiji

et al. 2021

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“…The potential hazardousness of microplastics (MP) in ecosystems has been recognized, which has increased interest in understanding the impact and influencing factors [1]. This is a global issue, as plastic debris, or more precisely MP particles (<5 mm [2]), have been detected worldwide, including remote and pristine areas such as the arctic or high mountain areas [3][4][5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Case Study Comparing Effects of Microplastic Derived from Bottle Caps Collected in Two Cities on Triticum aestivum (Wheat)

et al. 2021

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As plastic has become an integral component of daily life, microplastic has become a ubiquitous, unavoidable constituent of nearly all ecosystems. Besides monitoring the amount and distribution of microplastic in the environment, it is necessary to understand the possible direct effects, especially toxicity and how it is affected by environmental factors where it is discarded. The present study investigated how microplastic derived from high-density polyethylene bottle caps collected in two climatically different cities, i.e., Singapore (tropical rainforest climate) and Lahti, Finland (continental climate), affected the essential agricultural grain crop, Triticum aestivum (L.). Wheat seedlings were exposed to microplastic derived from these collected bottle caps, as well as new and artificially aged caps, for seven days. Morphological parameters, such as root and shoot length and oxidative stress development, were measured. Exposure to microplastic derived from the caps resulted in reduced seedling root and shoot lengths compared to the controls, as well as enhanced lipid peroxidation and catalase activity. With all parameters tested, microplastic derived from Lahti bottle caps exhibited more severe effects than Singapore, which was similar to that elicited by new microplastic. The Singapore microplastic had possibly leached its toxic substances before collection due to accelerated degradation promoted by the prevailing warmer climate conditions.

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“…Microplastics are either produced by design or are formed as a result of degradation of macroplastics. An increasing amount of evidence suggests a widespread exposure to microplastics from foods, drinking water, and air [ 3 ]. Replacing microplastics with bioplastics produced from algae would be beneficial for human health.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is a direct comparison that can be drawn between micro particles from plastic and diesel particles. Diesel engines exhaust small particles that are less than 2.5 μm [ 3 ]. These particles are capable of crossing cell membranes and triggering oxidative stress and inflammation that have been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and lung cancer [ 4 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Metabolomic Study of Heterotrophically Grown Chlorella sp. Isolated from Wastewater in Northern Sweden

Nzayisenga¹,

Sellstedt²

2021

Molecules

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There are numerous strains of Chlorella with a corresponding variety of metabolic pathways. A strain we previously isolated from wastewater in northern Sweden can grow heterotrophically as well as autotrophically in light and has higher lipid contents under heterotrophic growth conditions. The aims of the present study were to characterize metabolic changes associated with the higher lipid contents in order to enhance our understanding of lipid production in microalgae and potentially identify new compounds with utility in sustainable development. Inter alia, the amino acids glutamine and lysine were 7-fold more abundant under heterotrophic conditions, the key metabolic intermediate alpha-ketoglutarate was more abundant under heterotrophic conditions with glucose, and maltose was more abundant under heterotrophic conditions with glycerol than under autotrophic conditions. The metabolite 3-hydroxy-butyric acid, the direct precursor of the biodegradable plastic PHB (poly-3-hydroxy-butyric acid), was also more abundant under heterotrophic conditions. Our metabolomic analysis has provided new insights into the alga’s lipid production pathways and identified metabolites with potential use in sustainable development, such as the production of renewable, biodegradable plastics, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals, with reduced pollution and improvements in both ecological and human health.

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Microplastics and human health

Abstract: Humans are exposed to different types of fibers and particles, including microplastics; the potential health effects of microplastics are largely unknown.

Cited by 648 publications

References 15 publications

A Comparison of Microplastic in Fish From Australia and Fiji

A Comparison of Microplastic in Fish From Australia and Fiji

Case Study Comparing Effects of Microplastic Derived from Bottle Caps Collected in Two Cities on Triticum aestivum (Wheat)

Metabolomic Study of Heterotrophically Grown Chlorella sp. Isolated from Wastewater in Northern Sweden

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