By Caroline Johnson, Intern
A new study conducted by the Portland State University (PSU)’s Applied Coastal Ecology Lab found microplastic particles in 99 percent of fish and shellfish samples. The study examined the edible tissue of black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, pacific herring, pacific lamprey and pink shrimp.
Pink shrimp had the highest concentrations of microplastic particles. The species is a filter feeder, feeding just below the water’s surface, so they ingest anything floating in the upper water column – including microplastics.
When animals ingest microplastic, it can travel from the gut to other body parts like muscle tissue. These particles don’t break down, passing plastic up the food chain. In turn, humans who eat seafood that’s been contaminated with microplastics ingest any remaining particles, with potentially serious consequences for our health.
Can you avoid microplastic?
Microplastics are in bottled water, meat and other products too, so the study authors don’t recommend just cutting out seafood. Instead, we need to stop producing and disposing of so much plastic. As an individual, you can drink filtered or tap water over bottled water, avoid heating food in plastic containers, and take care of your local waterways by hosting a plastic count or clean-up event.
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