Studies have established the different sites where various toxicants are found, following the food chain. The human body's response to select micro/nanoplastic sources is also highlighted, emphasizing their impact. Micro/nanoplastic entry and accumulation processes are elucidated, and the mechanism of their intracellular accumulation is briefly described. Findings of potential toxic effects, from research encompassing numerous organisms, are placed in a central focus.

Over the last several decades, there has been an increase in the number and spread of microplastics originating from food packaging in both aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric settings. A major environmental concern surrounds microplastics due to their long-lasting presence in the environment, their potential to release plastic monomers and additives/chemicals, and their ability to carry and concentrate other pollutants. Immunology activator The consumption of food items containing migrating monomers may result in bodily accumulation of these monomers, and this build-up could potentially contribute to the genesis of cancer. Immunology activator Commercial plastic food packaging materials are the focus of this book chapter, which elucidates the mechanisms by which microplastics are released into contained food items. To avoid the introduction of microplastics into food products, the factors driving microplastic migration into food products, encompassing high temperatures, ultraviolet light, and bacterial action, were analyzed. Beyond that, the diverse evidence confirming the toxic and carcinogenic nature of microplastic components underscores the significant potential threats and adverse effects on human health. Subsequently, future movements are concisely outlined to decrease the movement of microplastics, including raising public consciousness and strengthening waste management systems.

A global concern has emerged regarding nano/microplastics (N/MPs), as their presence poses a risk to aquatic ecosystems, food chains, and overall environmental health, ultimately potentially affecting human well-being. The focus of this chapter is the most current data on N/MPs in widely eaten wild and farmed edible species, the presence of N/MPs in human populations, the potential consequences of N/MPs on human health, and proposed future research guidelines for determining N/MPs in wild and farmed food sources. In addition, N/MP particles found within human biological samples, including standardized methods for their collection, characterization, and analysis, are examined, with the aim of evaluating potential health risks posed by N/MP intake. In consequence, the chapter comprehensively details pertinent information about the N/MP content of over 60 kinds of edible species, including algae, sea cucumbers, mussels, squids, crayfish, crabs, clams, and fish.

Plastic pollution in the marine environment arises annually from various human actions, encompassing industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, medical waste, pharmaceutical products, and everyday personal care items. These materials are broken down into constituent parts, such as the smaller particles of microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP). Consequently, these particles are carried and spread throughout coastal and aquatic environments, ultimately being consumed by a large portion of marine life, including seafood, thereby contaminating various segments of aquatic ecosystems. Indeed, a vast array of edible marine creatures, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms, are part of the seafood category, and these organisms can accumulate microplastics and nanoplastics, potentially transferring them to humans through dietary intake. As a result, these pollutants can lead to a multitude of toxic and adverse consequences for human health and the marine ecosystem. In conclusion, this chapter explains the potential dangers presented by marine micro/nanoplastics to seafood safety and the safety of human consumption.

Extensive deployment of plastics and their associated contaminants, such as microplastics and nanoplastics, combined with insufficient waste disposal practices, presents a serious global safety concern, with the potential for environmental leakage and eventual human exposure through the food chain. Studies consistently reveal the rising presence of plastics (microplastics and nanoplastics) in various marine and terrestrial organisms, emphasizing the potential adverse impacts on plants and animals, and potentially on human health. The presence of MPs and NPs within a multitude of food items, such as seafood (including finfish, crustaceans, bivalves, and cephalopods), fruits, vegetables, milk, wine, beer, meat, and table salt, has spurred research endeavors over the last few years. Methods for detecting, identifying, and quantifying MPs and NPs, including visual and optical techniques, scanning electron microscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, have been extensively studied. Yet, these approaches frequently encounter a variety of constraints. In comparison to traditional approaches, spectroscopic techniques, particularly Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, along with emerging methods like hyperspectral imaging, are increasingly utilized for their ability to perform rapid, non-destructive, and high-throughput analyses. Although much research has been dedicated to the field, the requirement for inexpensive and highly effective analytical procedures is still substantial. The eradication of plastic pollution demands the standardization of methods, the integration of a wide range of approaches, and a strong emphasis on educating the public and involving policymakers. Subsequently, this chapter concentrates on the techniques for recognizing and determining the presence and amount of MPs and NPs within diverse food types, concentrating on seafood.

Due to the revolutionary nature of production, consumption, and mismanagement of plastic waste, the presence of these polymers has led to a buildup of plastic debris in the natural world. Macro plastics, while a major concern in themselves, have given rise to a new kind of contaminant—microplastics—constrained by a size limit of less than 5mm, which has recently gained prominence. Although confined by size, their appearance remains widespread, encompassing both aquatic and terrestrial realms. The prevalence of these polymers causing detrimental consequences for various living organisms through diverse processes, such as entanglement and consumption, has been extensively documented. Immunology activator The entanglement risk is largely confined to smaller animals, whereas the risk of ingestion involves even humans. Laboratory observations show that these polymers' arrangement leads to damaging physical and toxicological impacts on all creatures, humans included. Plastics, in addition to the inherent risk of their presence, also carry toxic contaminants as a consequence of their industrial production process, which is injurious. Even so, the evaluation of the degree to which these components harm all creatures is comparatively restricted. This chapter delves into the multifaceted issue of micro and nano plastics in the environment, examining the sources, complications, toxicity, trophic transfer, and methods for quantifying their presence.

Over the course of the last seven decades, plastic use has surged, resulting in a vast accumulation of plastic waste, a large part of which eventually transforms into microplastics and nanoplastics. MPs and NPs are recognized as emerging pollutants worthy of significant concern. MPs and NPs share the capacity to have a primary or secondary origin. Their widespread presence and their capacity for absorption, desorption, and leaching of chemicals have sparked concerns regarding their impact on the aquatic environment, particularly the marine food chain. People who eat seafood are now expressing considerable concern about the toxicity of seafood, as MPs and NPs are recognized as pollutant vectors within the marine food chain. Unveiling the precise consequences and potential risks stemming from the consumption of marine life contaminated with pollutants is a key research priority. Although numerous studies highlight the successful elimination of various substances through defecation, the critical issue of MPs and NPs translocation and subsequent clearance within organs has not been adequately addressed. Technological limitations in the analysis of these extremely fine MPs remain an important concern. Therefore, this chapter presents a review of recent research on MPs in different marine trophic levels, their migration and concentration capabilities, their role as a critical vector for pollutant transport, their toxic effects, their cycles within the marine environment, and their implications for seafood safety standards. Simultaneously, the importance of MPs' findings concealed the relevant concerns and obstacles.

The significance of nano/microplastic (N/MP) pollution's spread stems from the resulting health risks. These potential hazards impact a wide array of marine life, including fish, mussels, seaweed, and crustaceans. Plastic, additives, contaminants, and microbial growth are associated with N/MPs and are passed up the food chain to higher trophic levels. The health benefits of aquatic foods are widely acknowledged, and their importance has grown substantially. Aquatic foods have been found to be pathways for nano/microplastic and persistent organic pollutant exposure to humans, a matter of rising concern in recent times. While other factors may exist, the ingestion, translocation, and bioaccumulation of microplastics in animals have effects on their health. The pollution level correlates with the amount of pollution present in the aquatic organism growth zone. The transfer of microplastics and chemicals from contaminated aquatic foods negatively impacts human health. N/MPs in the marine environment are the subject of this chapter, examining their origins and prevalence, and presenting a detailed classification based on the properties influencing the hazards they present. The discussion extends to N/MPs and their impact on the safety and quality of aquatic food products.