Microplastics in shellfish and implications for food safety

Abstract

The occurrence of microplastics in many shellfish species is of concern because they may affect food security and human health. Previous studies have shown that microplastics ingested by shellfish species can cause adverse effects on the organisms themselves. This raises potential health risks to higher trophic levels of organisms, including humans. In this review, we discussed the findings in the last two years concerning microplastics in various shellfish species, especially focusing on microplastic translocation and accumulation within body tissues of organisms. Based on these findings, we discussed the potential health threats posed by microplastics to shellfish and humans. Microplastics are continuously increasing in various environments. Thus, it is urgent to conduct an accurate estimation of microplastics intake by humans through shellfish consumption and determine the risks of microplastics and their associated contaminants to human bodies.