KOTA KINABALU: Microplastics found in seafood could pose a growing challenge to marine ecosystems and the aquaculture industry, with researchers warning that prolonged exposure may affect the growth and health of aquatic animals.
Microplastics are formed when plastic waste breaks down into extremely small particles and enters marine ecosystems. Their presence has increasingly been detected in seafood and aquaculture species, including fish, prawns, shellfish and sea cucumbers, raising concerns among consumers about the safety of their food sources.
A study on Decapterus macrosoma, commonly known as selayang or basung, found an average of 13 microplastic particles in the flesh of each fish, while 20 particles were detected in its intestines.
The species is commonly used as feed or fish fertiliser in aquaculture, raising questions over whether microplastics in feed could enter the aquaculture production chain.
Researchers from the Borneo Marine Research Institute at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) also detected microplastics in the intestines and flesh of trevally, as well as in white prawns, clams, sea snails, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and other marine species.
These seafood species are commonly consumed by coastal communities and have significant economic value, with some also serving as important commodities in Malaysia's aquaculture sector.
Aquaculture is not exempt from microplastic pollution as farmed organisms interact directly with water, sediment and feed. If microplastics are present in their environment or food, farmed species could potentially be exposed to them.
For example, exposure to microplastics for 60 days caused signs of stress and reduced growth in Holothuria scabra, commonly known as white teatfish or balat putih, an economically valuable sea cucumber species that also plays an important role in the marine ecosystem.
The exposure was also associated with structural damage and the loss of cellular components in the organs and tissues of the animals. Meanwhile, 21 days of microplastic exposure affected the physical growth and immune system of blood cockles.
These findings suggest that microplastic contamination in aquaculture is not simply a question of whether farmed animals ingest plastic. Prolonged exposure could potentially affect the growth, physiology, health and tissue structures of aquatic organisms.
However, the detection of microplastics in seafood does not mean people should avoid consuming seafood. The actual risk to human health depends on several factors, including the type, size and quantity of microplastics, associated chemicals, seafood species and the level of human exposure.
Addressing microplastic pollution requires action throughout the supply chain, from plastic waste management to monitoring seafood and aquaculture systems. Reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management, controlling pollution in coastal areas and monitoring microplastics in water, sediment, aquaculture feed and aquatic animals are among the measures that could be strengthened.
For the aquaculture industry, monitoring water quality and feed sources is particularly important. Further research into the effects of microplastics on farmed species could also help develop safer and more sustainable management practices.
Ultimately, microplastic pollution is not merely an environmental issue. It is also linked to ecosystem health, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, food safety and human wellbeing.
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