Microplastic Contamination in Aquaculture: Sources, Effects and Mitigation Strategies
Prachurjya Das*
ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra (400 061), India
Upasana Sahoo
ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra (400 061), India
Sourav Bhadra
ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra (400 061), India
Tuturanjan Gogoi
ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra (400 061), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Aquaculture, Microplastics (Mps), Primary source, Secondary source
Abstract
The prevalence of plastics in contemporary society has resulted in unprecedented levels of plastic pollution, raising significant environmental and health concerns. Since the 1950s, global plastic production has surged, leading to widespread accumulation of plastic waste. Microplastics (Mps), particles measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, have emerged as a particularly worrisome aspect of plastic pollution due to their persistence and potential adverse effects. Various sources contribute to the presence of Mps in aquatic environments, including land-based plastic waste, tourism-related littering, shipping activities, fisheries, aquaculture and atmospheric deposition. Mps can adversely impact aquatic organisms, affecting their feeding behavior, reproduction, immune responses and gene expression. Moreover, microplastics pose potential health risks to humans. Several measures can be undertaken to address the issue, including removing plastic microbeads from personal care products, utilizing biodegradable materials, enhancing waste management and recycling practices, upgrading wastewater treatment plants and advancing cleanup and bioremediation technologies.
Downloads
not found
Reference
Carbery, M., O'Connor, W., Thavamani, P., 2018. Trophic transfer of microplastics and mixed contaminants in the marine food web and implications for human health. Environment International 115, 400-409. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2018.03.007.
Chen, G., Li, Y., Wang, J., 2021. Occurrence and ecological impact of microplastics in aquaculture ecosystems. Chemosphere 274, 129989. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129989.
Li, Y., Tao, L., Wang, Q., Wang, F., Li, G., Song, M., 2023. Potential health impact of microplastics: A review of environmental distribution, human exposure and toxic effects. Environment & Health 1(4), 249-257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/envhealth.3c00052.
Wu, W.M., Yang, J., Criddle, C.S., 2017. Microplastics pollution and reduction strategies. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering 11, 6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-017-0897-7.
Zhou, A., Zhang, Y., Xie, S., Chen, Y., Li, X., Wang, J., Zou, J., 2021. Microplastics and their potential effects on the aquaculture systems: A critical review. Reviews in Aquaculture 13(1), 719-733. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12496.