Detection of Microplastic in Seafood

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Microplastic Pollution

Abstract

The study of microplastics and their impact on aquatic organisms is a rapidly growing field, as researchers work to understand the presence of these synthetic polymers in underwater habitats. Investigating microplastics in aquatic environments remains challenging due to their diverse interactions with biota and varying synthetic organic polymers. Human activity has caused microplastics to contaminate the marine environment. These tiny particles of plastic are so widespread that they are ingested by many wildlife species, such as fish and shellfish. Microplastics’ physical and chemical toxicity is a worry since they are linked to manufacturing-related chemicals and can absorb toxins from the environment. Our knowledge is significantly limited in the areas of microplastic toxicity’s effects and distribution. Given the nutritional importance of seafood consumption and the incomplete knowledge of the effects of microplastics on human health, it is imperative to fill these research gaps. So, in the present chapter an attempt was made to overview the microplastic detection in seafood under the following lines: (1) to pool all the reports of microplastic detection in the seafood, (2) to highlight the consequences of the consumption of seafood with microplastic, (3) to discuss the possible way to remove the microplastic from the seafood before consumption, and (4) to suggest future strategies to minimize the entry of microplastic in seafood.

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Acknowledgments

I appreciate Dr. Shahnawaz for allowing me to write this chapter on “Detection of Microplastic in Sea Food.” I gained a lot of insight from this project, thanks to his expertise and guidance. I hope this chapter will enhance the current research and awareness on this important issue.

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Mintoo, M.J., Kousar, R. (2024). Detection of Microplastic in Seafood. In: Shahnawaz, M., Adetunji, C.O., Dar, M.A., Zhu, D. (eds) Microplastic Pollution. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-8357-5_14

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