Microplastics in natural seafood of Vietnam and their potential exposure to consumers: A mini review

Abstract

In this article, we review the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics (MP) in marine organisms used as food (seafood) from Vietnam and assess the consumers’ health risks related to MP-contaminated seafood. Twenty-one marine species of fish, shrimp, and bivalves were reported to accumulate MP in their tissues, with the highest abundance in fish (Decapterus maruadsi, 87 items/individual) and the lowest abundance in hard clam (Meretrix lyrata, 0.25 items/individual). The mean values of MP abundance (items/g wet weight - ww) were 2.44, 0.73, and 0.85 in fish, shrimp, and bivalves, respectively. Fibre was the most common shape of MP, but fragment MPs were also observed in the tissues of marine organisms, and bead items were only found in shrimp. Various MP colours and more than ten MP polymers were noted in the seafood. The estimated daily intake of plastic was low (<1) based on the consumption of each seafood group, but it became high (>1) when pooled for all seafood. The total MP that one person can ingest from seafood could be up to 22,876 items annually. Further quantitative studies of MP in other kinds of food, spices, drinks, and air in Vietnam are necessary for a comprehensive assessment of human health risks associated with MP exposure.