A Systematic Review of Microplastic Contamination in Tuna Species: General Pathways into the Food Chain with Ecotoxicological and Human Health Perspectives

Peivasteh-roudsari L., Javanmardi F., Shavali Gilani P., Tajdar-oranj B., Doost Z. S., Yazdanbakhsh H., ...Daha Fazla

FOODS, cilt.14, sa.20, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 14 Sayı: 20
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/foods14203547
  • Dergi Adı: FOODS
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CAB Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Tuna species, as highly migratory apex predators of major commercial significance, play a vital role as biological indicators of microplastics (MPs) contamination due to their trophic position and wide geographic distribution. Current systematic review aims to analyze the occurrence, characteristics, and concentrations of MPs in various tuna species. Data from 19 studies were compiled, focusing on the presence of MPs in different organs (gills, muscles, gastrointestinal tracts). High concentrations of MPs were found in tuna species from the Bay of Bengal (42.13 +/- 13.58 MPs/individual in Thunnus obesus) and the Persian Gulf (5.71 MPs/individual in Thunnus tonggol), indicating significant contamination in these regions. Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) were the most commonly detected polymers, suggesting their widespread presence in marine environments. The dominant size range of MPs was 0.5-2.5 mm, with fibers and fragments being the most common shapes. The presence of MPs in edible tissues raises concerns about potential health risks for both marine life and human consumers. Future research should focus on expanding geographical coverage and investigating the ecological and health impacts of MPs ingestion. Long-term monitoring and international collaboration are essential to address this global environmental challenge effectively.