Microplastics and Bisphenol A found in tuna and swordfish, Italian study reveals

A groundbreaking Italian study has discovered microplastics and bisphenol A contaminants in the muscle tissues of two popular fish species from the Mediterranean Sea: swordfish and bluefin tuna.    

Traditionally, concerns over tuna and swordfish consumption have centered around mercury contamination. Still, this new research adds another layer of complexity to the issue, highlighting the pervasiveness of plastic pollution in our oceans.    

The study was undertaken by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Teramo, in collaboration with the Croatian Veterinary Institute of Split and the Polytechnic University of Marche. The findings were recently published in the Journal of Sea Research.    

One of the most significant aspects of this research is that it marks the first-time contaminants were detected in the muscle tissues of fish, the part typically consumed by humans. Previous studies mostly focused on the presence of microplastics in fish's digestive tracts.    

Federica Di Giacinto, lead author of the study, explained that the research not only discovered microplastic contamination but also identified polymers and additives utilized in plastic production found in the muscle tissue.    

The research team applied advanced analytical methods, including stereomicroscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, to identify microplastics smaller than 10 microns, and various substances such as polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, pigments and additives, including bisphenol A and p-phthalic acid.    

Bisphenol A, or BPA, a substance commonly used in the production of plastic goods, was found in both swordfish and bluefin tuna. BPA is currently under scrutiny for its potential negative effects on human health, particularly for its capacity to disrupt the endocrine system.    

The study's data showed that the number of microplastics ranged from 140 to 270 per kilogram in swordfish and 160 to 270 per kilogram in tuna. The most frequently found microplastic polymer was polypropylene, constituting 33% in swordfish and 34.7% in tuna. The most abundant pigments found were PB115, PB116, PBr101/102.    

Dr. Di Giacinto stated that the study is ongoing, with future steps including assessing other fish species' contamination levels to better understand the actual exposure of consumers to these potentially harmful contaminants.    

This research highlights the growing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans, and particularly the Mediterranean Sea, which is gravely threatened by microplastics, polymers, and additives. Not only does this pollution harm marine life, but it also poses a potential risk to human health as these contaminants enter the food chain.          

 

Source:  

Science Direct