Search Results (258)

Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose risks to human health through ingestion and inhalation. This review synthesizes current practices to reduce exposure and toxicity by examining major exposure routes and dietary interventions. More than 130 papers were analyzed to achieve this aim. The findings show that microplastics contaminate a wide range of food products, with particular concern over seafood, drinking water, plastic-packaged foods, paper cups, and tea filter bags. Inhalation exposure is mainly linked to indoor air quality and smoking, while dermal contact poses minimal risk, though the release of additives from plastics onto the skin remains an area of concern. Recommended strategies to reduce dietary exposure include consuming only muscle parts of seafood, moderating intake of high-risk items like anchovies and mollusks, limiting canned seafood liquids, and purging mussels in clean water before consumption. Avoiding plastic containers, especially for hot food or microwaving, using wooden cutting boards, paper tea bags, and opting for tap or filtered water over bottled water are also advised. To mitigate inhalation exposure, the use of air filters with HyperHEPA systems, improved ventilation, regular vacuuming, and the reduction of smoking are recommended. While antioxidant supplementation shows potential in reducing microplastic toxicity, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. This review provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for minimizing daily microplastic exposure. Full article

Seafood contamination by heavy metals is a growing public health concern, particularly in regions like Tunisia where seafood is a major dietary component. This study assessed concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the muscle tissue of the red shrimp Parapenaeus longirostris, collected in 2023 from four coastal regions: Bizerte, Monastir, Kerkennah, and Gabes. Metal analysis was conducted using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. This species was chosen due to its ecological and economic importance. The study sites were chosen based on their differing levels of industrial, urban, and agricultural influence, providing a representative overview of regional contamination patterns. Mean concentrations were 1.04 µg/g for Zn, 0.59 µg/g for Cu, 1.56 µg/g for Pb, and 0.21 µg/g for Cd (dry weight). Pb was the most prevalent metal across sites. Statistically significant variation was observed only for Cu (p = 0.0334). All metal concentrations were below international safety limits set by FAO/WHO and the European Union. Compared to similar studies, the levels reported were similar or slightly lower. Human health risk was evaluated using target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) values. For adults, THQ ranged from 5.44 × 10⁻⁶ to 8.43 × 10⁻⁴, while for children it ranged from 2.40 × 10⁻⁵ to 3.72 × 10⁻³. HI values were also well below 1, indicating negligible non-carcinogenic risk. CR values for Cd and Pb in both adults and children fell within the acceptable risk range (10⁻⁶ to <10⁻⁴), suggesting no significant carcinogenic concern. This study provides the first field-based dataset on metal contamination in P. longirostris from Tunisia, contributing valuable insights for seafood safety monitoring and public health protection. Full article

Potentially toxic elements, such as chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn), play essential roles in humans and animals. However, the harmful effects of excessive exposure to these elements through food remain unknown. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the anthropogenic contamination of chromium and zinc in aquatic biota and seafood consumers. Based on the PRISMA protocol, 67 articles were selected for this systematic review. The main results point to a wide distribution of these elements, which have familiar emission sources in the aquatic environment, especially in highly industrialized regions. Significant concentrations of both have been reported in different fish species, which sometimes represent a non-carcinogenic risk to consumer health and a carcinogenic risk related to Cr exposure. New studies should be encouraged to fill gaps, such as the characterization of the toxicity of these essential elements through fish consumption, determination of limit concentrations updated by international regulatory institutions, especially for zinc, studies on the influence of abiotic factors on the toxicity and bioavailability of elements in the environment, and those that evaluate the bioaccessibility of these elements in a simulated digestion system when in high concentrations. Full article

This study assessed the presence, abundance, and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in farmed Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and evaluated the efficacy of depuration in reducing MPs under laboratory-controlled and commercial conditions. Oysters cultivated in the Lima estuary (NW Portugal) were sampled in autumn and winter, along with adjacent surface water and sediment, to investigate potential contamination sources. MP concentrations in oysters varied temporally, with higher levels in October 2023 (0.48 ± 0.34 MPs g⁻¹ ww) than in February 2024 (0.09 ± 0.07 MPs g⁻¹ ww), while the environmental levels remained stable across dates. All MPs were fibres, predominantly transparent, followed by blue and black. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed cellulose and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as dominant polymers in oysters and environmental samples. No clear correlation was found between MPs in oysters and surrounding compartments. Laboratory depuration reduced MPs by 78% within 48 h, highlighting its potential as a mitigation strategy. However, depuration was less effective under commercial conditions, possibly due to lower initial contamination levels. These findings suggest that oysters may act as a vector for human exposure to MPs via seafood consumption. While depuration shows promise in reducing contamination, further research is needed to optimise commercial protocols and enhance the safety of aquaculture products. Full article

The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) supports one of the most valuable small-scale fisheries in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region, with substantial socioeconomic implications. This species holds significant potential for human consumption due to its low lipid content, favorable fatty acid profile, high-quality protein, and essential microelements. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive characterization of octopus specimens landed in two key Algarve fishing areas—Barlavento/Windward (Alvor Harbour) and Sotavento/Leeward (Fuzeta Harbour). We assessed their nutritional value, focusing on protein quality, lipid indexes, trace minerals, and essential vitamins, as well as overall safety and quality. All regulated contaminants and additional potential risks were also evaluated, yielding fully satisfactory safety results. The research was conducted within the framework of the European Sea2See project, which aims to enhance consumer trust and acceptance of sustainably harvested or farmed seafood in Europe. Our findings demonstrate that Algarve octopus is a nutritionally rich seafood product, promoting cardiovascular health and general well-being. Full article

Recent studies have detected microplastics (MPs) in seafood and various food products worldwide, including poultry, fish, salt, beverages, fruits, and vegetables. This widespread contamination makes human exposure through consumption unavoidable and raises concerns for food safety and human health. MPs provide physical support to microorganisms for biofilm formation, protecting them from extreme conditions and facilitating their persistence in the environment. However, little is known about the impact of MPs in the transmission of foodborne pathogens and subsequent spread of infectious diseases like campylobacteriosis, the most common foodborne illness caused by a bacterium, Campylobacter. This review explores the sources of MP contamination in the food chain and offers a comprehensive overview of MP presence in animals, food products, and beverages. Moreover, we compile the available studies linking MPs and Campylobacter and examine the potential impact of these particles on the transmission of Campylobacter along the food chain with a particular focus on poultry, the main source and reservoir for the pathogen. While the environmental and toxicological effects of MPs are increasingly understood, their influence on the virulence of Campylobacter and the spread of antimicrobial resistance remains underexplored. Further studies are needed to develop standardized methods for isolating and identifying MPs, enabling comprehensive investigations and more effective monitoring and risk mitigation strategies. Full article

Microplastic (MP) contamination is a growing environmental concern with significant impacts on ecosystems, the economy, and potentially human health. However, accurately detecting and characterizing MPs in biological samples remains a challenge due to the complexity of biological matrices and analytical limitations. This study presents a novel, non-destructive visible near-infrared multispectral imaging (Vis-NIR-MSI) method combined with a supervised self-organizing map (SOM) to enable rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of MPs in seafood. We specifically aimed to identify and differentiate four types of microplastics, namely PET, PE, PP, and PS, in the range 1–4 mm, present on the surface of minced shrimp and shrimp shell. For quantification, MPs were incorporated into minced shrimp surface at concentrations ranging from 0.04% to 1% w/w. The modified model achieved a high coefficient of determination (R² > 0.99) for PE and PP quantification. Unlike conventional techniques, this approach eliminates the need for pre-sorting or chemical processing, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for large-scale monitoring of MPs in seafood, with potential applications in food safety and environmental protection. Full article

Arsenic is a human carcinogen present in drinking water and food, especially rice, rice products and seafood. It can be found in both organic and inorganic forms, the latter being the most toxic. In addition to the carcinogenic effect, exposure to inorganic arsenic can cause numerous disorders in different organs/systems of the human body, such as the skin, cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems. The risk assessment associated with dietary arsenic is mainly based on the margin of exposure, i.e., the ratio between the dose at which a small but measurable adverse effect may occur and the estimated daily intake of the target substance. It is mainly influenced by arsenic concentrations and consumption data of average or 95th percentile consumers. This review focuses on the toxicity of arsenic, its sources and routes of human exposure, with particular attention to the ingestion of contaminated water and food, considering the differences between age groups and dietary habits. Full article

Evaluating the bioaccessibility and health risks of seafood is extremely important because, although it is a significant source of vital minerals, it may also contain potentially toxic elements. This study aimed to determine the content of metals and minerals in different seafood species before and after thermal processing. Also, given the risk of overestimating the actual final concentration available in the body, a study was carried out to determine the bioaccessibility of these elements by simulating the digestion process in the gastrointestinal tract. Assessment of the potential toxic effects on consumer health in terms of exposure to heavy metals was carried out through risk analysis by Estimated Daily Intake, Hazard Index, and Cancer Risk parameters. Three bivalve mollusks, one gastropod mollusk, four cephalopod mollusks, and one crustacean species were analyzed in terms of minerals (P, S, K, Ca, and Se) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Fe, Zn, Co, Mn, and As) content. The lead (Pb) concentration recorded the strongest bioaccessibility increase, even reaching 100% in P. vannamei. Generally, the bioaccessibility of all metalloids dropped below 100%, which suggests that only a part of the amount of metal in the initially ingested sample can be absorbed by the human organism. Potassium and sulfur registered the greatest value, up to 23% for minerals’ bioaccessibility in the same samples. The highest intake rate of metals occurred after the consumption of M. gigas, which registered the highest Estimated Daily Intake for Cr (chromium) (0.321 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹), Cu (copper) (10.15 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹), and Zn (zinc) (12.67 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹). The Hazard Index values indicated no significant risk of poisoning. All calculated Cancer Risk scores remained below the acceptable threshold. Moreover, the Pearson coefficient revealed a positive correlation between the Hazard Index and the most abundant elements in the samples, Cr, Zn, and Cu. This study could provide a framework for evaluating both the nutritional benefits and toxicological concerns of seafood intake in public health applications. Full article

Microplastics (MPs), defined as synthetic polymer particles less than 5 mm in diameter, are widely acknowledged as ubiquitous contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, including freshwater, marine, and polar environments. Global concern with MPs has significantly increased; nevertheless, much of the current knowledge remains fragmented and, at times, limited to specific regions or ecological compartments. This study emphasizes the necessity of a thorough synthesis by critically analyzing global microplastics’ dispersion patterns, ecological consequences, and associated human health concerns. A systematic approach was employed, integrating specific search terms and establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria across various scientific databases to obtain a representative collection of literature. The study covers important topics such as the classification of MPs, their distribution, environmental impacts, and interactions with other pollutants, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Particular emphasis is placed on comparing ecosystem-specific vulnerabilities, such as those found in tropical wetlands, marine gyres, and polar systems. The review examines potential human exposure pathways, via contaminated seafood, water, and air, while also compiling new information about cellular and physiological damage, including oxidative stress, inflammation, hormone disruption, and possible genetic effects. This investigation highlights the value of collaborative monitoring, the adoption of biodegradable alternatives, policy development, and interdisciplinary research by integrating knowledge from ecology and public health. The primary objective is to advance ecosystem-specific mitigation techniques and promote evidence-based policy development in addressing this intricate environmental issue. Full article

Palytoxins (PLTXs) and ovatoxins (OVTXs) are a group of highly potent marine toxins that pose significant health risks through seafood contamination and environmental exposure. OVTX-producing algae have been linked to dermatitis and respiratory distress in Mediterranean beachgoers, while serious public health concerns are related to PLTX accumulation in seafood. In 2009, the European Food Safety Authority highlighted the need for analytical detection methods of the PLTX group of toxins and for the preparation of reference materials. This study investigates the stability of the palytoxin signal using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MRM-MS) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry under different experimental conditions: three concentrations (10, 1, and 0.5 µg/mL), three methanol–water mixtures (10%, 50%, and 90%), and two temperatures (6 °C and 25 °C). The results showed that the PLTX signal response is significantly influenced by the experimental conditions used. LC-MRM-MS analysis revealed the optimal response of PLTX in 50% and 90% MeOH at 25 °C, with minimal signal loss occurring over 16 h (9% and 6%). UV-Vis data indicated reduced absorbance in 10% MeOH, but a stable spectral intensity over 21 h in all the tested solvent mixtures. These results underscore the necessity of carefully controlled experimental conditions to ensure accurate and reproducible PLTX detection in environmental and food safety monitoring. Full article

Climate change and ocean warming have a huge impact on microbial communities, leading to an increased prevalence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections in northern America. V. parahaemolyticus is an inhabitant of aquatic environments and is associated with fishes and shellfishes, particularly with oysters. It causes gastrointestinal infection through consumption of contaminated seafood, as well as wound infections or septicemia. Temperature is known to affect virulence and persistence factors in V. parahaemolyticus. In this study, twenty clinical strains isolated form sick patients in Quebec, Canada, were characterized for persistence and virulence factor production at different temperatures to assess the impact of a switch from sea water to the human body on them. Their capacity to produce biofilm, hemolysins, and membrane vesicles as well as their motility and antibiotic resistance at 20 °C and 37 °C were assessed. Our results revealed that while temperature had little effect on vesicle production, it significantly influenced their growth, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and motility. Additionally, all V. parahaemolyticus strains produced hemolysins at 37 °C but not under environmental conditions. Full article

While meat consumption trends show decreases in some high-income countries, significant increases are observed elsewhere. Although this includes African nations, the average meat consumption in Africa remains generally lower than in many other continents, though patterns vary regionally. Meat provides essential nutrients, but inadequate consumption can pose health problems, while consumption also carries risks including potential exposure to environmental contaminants. This comprehensive review focuses on the recent scientific literature (published 2000–2024) regarding human exposure to specific toxic trace elements, namely arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr, particularly hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI)), and nickel (Ni), through the consumption of meat (muscle tissues, organs, and processed products) in Africa. Limited data exist for many African regions, with most studies from Nigeria. Concentrations of these toxic elements in meat tissues varied significantly, with organs like liver and kidney showing higher levels than muscle tissues. Estimated dietary intakes also varied, with some studies indicating potential health risks from Pb, Cd, and As exceeding safety guidelines in specific contexts. However, meat is generally not the primary dietary source of these elements compared to fish, seafood, or staple crops, though risks are higher in areas near pollution sources like mines or waste sites. This study highlights the need for broader research across Central and North Africa, stricter monitoring of meat from high-risk areas, and standardized methodologies to protect public health. Full article

Seafood-borne pathogens, especially Listeria monocytogenes, pose a significant risk to global health, with the formation of biofilm on abiotic surfaces exacerbating contamination risks in the seafood industry. This investigation evaluates the biofilm inhibition efficacy of fucoidan against L. monocytogenes biofilms on commonly used processing surfaces. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of fucoidan was determined to be 150 µg/mL, and sub-MIC concentrations (1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 MIC) were assessed for their effects on inhibition of biofilm. This action resulted in a substantial, dose-dependent reduction in formation of biofilm, with maximum reductions of 2.91 log CFU/cm² on hand gloves (HG), 2.46 log CFU/cm² on silicone rubber (SR), and 2.11 log CFU/cm² on stainless steel (SS). Gene expression analysis via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) revealed the downregulation of quorum-sensing (QS) and virulence-associated genes (flaA, fbp, prfA, hlyA, and agrA), indicating fucoidan’s potential to inhibition of biofilm and bacterial pathogenicity. These results emphasize fucoidan as a promising environmental antimicrobial agent for mitigating L. monocytogenes biofilm in seafood handling environments, thus improving food safety and reducing contamination risks. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) have become a global issue due to their potential adverse effects on sustainable marine resources and human health. In this study, MP pollution was investigated using natural mussels from all shelf regions of the SoM (Sea of Marmara), which is under the influence of many pollutant sources. A total of 322 mussels were collected along the entire coastline, and MP analyses were performed on these mussels. Mussel tissues were digested using a KOH solution to separate the MPs. Following extraction, the samples were filtered and the particles remaining on top were examined physically and chemically. In the study, the highest values were detected in samples taken both from locations under anthropogenic influence, especially from points close to where rivers flow. Across all the samples, the most predominant shape was fiber (61.08%), color was blue (57.87%) and size was (<0.5 mm) (62.55%). FTIR analysis shows that PE is the most common polymer type (44%). Calculated on the basis of 100 g of daily consumption, the annual ingestive exposures to MPs were found to be 1940, 342, 41 and 39 items for children, adolescents, female adults and male adults, respectively. As a result of a detailed risk assessment related to chronic daily intake (CDI) and microplastic carcinogenic risk (MPCR), it was determined that children are the most vulnerable group exposed to MPs and that these seafood products should be consumed with caution by children to prevent potential hazards. Additionally, it has been determined that the southern shelf and the Çanakkale Strait are the areas under the most intense pollution pressure according to the calculated MPCf and MPLI values. These findings are very relevant in terms of taking practical steps to take plans and actions to prevent contamination in the SoM and ensure the sustainability of food safety in the consumption of products obtained from the sea. Full article