Dining and the Presence of Microplastics: Potentially Highest Levels in Southeast Asian Bodies
Consuming **microplastics found in milkfish from Jakarta Bay** poses several potential health risks due to the ingestion of toxic plastic fragments present in the fish’s gills and digestive tract.
Milkfish, a popular dish in the Philippines as well as Indonesia, is often eaten whole after frying, which means any microplastics ingested by the fish are also consumed by humans. The presence of these tiny plastic particles in the fish indicates pollution in the fish's environment.
A study last year revealed that 94% of fish sampled from Jakarta Bay were found to have toxic microplastics in their gills and guts. This worrying discovery underscores the importance of addressing pollution in fish-populated bodies of water to ensure the safety of seafood consumption.
The health effects of microplastic consumption include chemical and toxicant exposure, physical effects, bioaccumulation and biomagnification, and indirect microbial risks. Microplastics originate from consumer products such as PET bottles and plastic bags and can carry hazardous chemical additives and pollutants absorbed from the environment. These toxic substances may accumulate in the human body after ingestion.
Microplastics can cause physical damage to tissues in aquatic organisms and, if ingested by humans, may cause inflammation or disrupt gut microbiota. However, the specific human health impacts remain under research.
Fish consuming microplastics may accumulate these particles and associated toxins, potentially leading to higher exposure levels for humans relying on these fish as a protein source. Moreover, microplastics can transport harmful microbes or pathogens, which may lead to infections or other health problems when ingested via contaminated seafood.
Although direct evidence of microplastic toxicity in humans is still emerging, studies highlight the potential for genotoxic and histopathological effects observed in fish exposed to contaminated environments, suggesting possible risks for consumers.
Widodo Setiyo Pranowo, principal investigator at Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency, warns that if microplastics are absorbed by fish and then consumed by humans, they will accumulate in humans. The accumulation of microplastics in humans is considered dangerous.
Further research is needed to understand the impact of microplastics on milkfish and human health. The study on microplastics in fish from Jakarta Bay highlights the need for further research to understand the impact of microplastics on both fish and human health.
The flesh of milkfish is tender and has a delicately sweet flavor. Despite its culinary appeal, the presence of microplastics in milkfish serves as a stark reminder of the need for cleaner aquatic environments and safer food sources. It is essential to continue monitoring the presence of microplastics in seafood and to promote sustainable fishing practices to mitigate the risks associated with microplastic consumption.
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[3] Thompson, R. C., et al. (2014). Microplastics in the marine environment: A review of sources, transport, fate, effects, and analytical methodologies. Environmental Science & Technology, 48(14), 6748-6767.
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- To ensure the safety of East Asia's health-and-wellness, it's crucial to address the pollution in fish-populated bodies of water, such as Jakarta Bay, as a study revealed that 94% of fish sampled from there were found to have microplastics, potential carriers of harmful substances.
- The fitness-and-exercise of individuals in East Asia who consume milkfish may be impacted by microplastics, as these tiny plastic particles are often ingested by the fish, accumulating toxic substances that can cause physical damage to tissues in aquatic organisms and potentially disrupt human gut microbiota.
- The environment in East Asia, particularly its waters, plays a significant role in climate-change and nutrition, and the presence of microplastics in seafood like milkfish not only indicates pollution but also raises concerns about the potential transfer of environmental pollutants to humans, including those involved in environmental-science research.
