Comparison of microplastic contamination in fish and bivalves from two major cities in Fujian province, China and the implications for human health

Abstract There is a growing global concern about the negative effects of microplastics (MPs) in aquaculture and their consequences for human health. This is the first study to investigate the contamination status and human health risks of MPs in commercial fish and bivalves collected from fishery markets of two major cities in Fujian province of China and compare them both nationally and internationally. The MP abundances in the bivalves from both cities were found to be lower when compared nationally (Qingdao and Shanghai) as well as internationally to several European countries (Italy, UK, France and Belgium). The MP abundances in the fish from both cities were also lower than reported nationally (Shanghai), but higher when compared internationally (Indonesia, USA and Portugal). In general, a higher percentage of fish than of bivalves tested positive for MPs. Moreover, fish contained higher abundances of total MPs and higher percentages of fibers, polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), blue and longer MPs than bivalves. In contrast, bivalves possessed higher percentages of fragments, films and particles together with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), transparent and shorter MPs than fish. Regarding regional differences, seafood collected at Xiamen had relatively higher abundances of total MPs and higher percentages of PET, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), fragments, films and particles along with black, white and transparent MPs. Whereas seafood from Fuzhou contained higher percentages of other polymers, fibers, and blue MPs. Finally, the polymer risk indexes caused by MPs in seafood were calculated based on the chemical hazards of polymers. The outcome of the risk assessment indicated human health risks posed by MPs via seafood consumption from both cities is likely to be higher than those from Shanghai, UK and South Korea due to greater percentages of PAN contamination.