Microplastics in Vietnamese seafood and potential human exposure: A mini-review

Abstract

In this article, we review the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in marine organisms used as food (seafood) from Vietnam and assess the consumers’ health risks related to MPs-contaminated seafood. Twentyone marine species of fish, shrimp, and bivalves were reported to accumulate MPs in their tissues, with the highest abundance in fish (Decapterus maruadsi, 87 items/individual) and the lowest abundance in hard clam (Meretrix lyrata, 0.25 items/individual). The mean values of MPs abundance (items/g wet weight - ww) were 2.44, 0.73, and 0.85 in fish, shrimp, and bivalves, respectively. Fibre was the most common shape of MPs, but fragmented MPs were also observed in the tissues of marine organisms, and beads were only found in shrimp. Various MPs colours and more than ten MPs polymers were noted in the seafood. The estimated daily intake of microplastics (pEDI) was low (<1) based on the consumption of each seafood group, but it became high (>1) when pooled for all seafood. The total MPs that one person can ingest from seafood could be up to 22,876 items annually. Further quantitative studies of MPs in other kinds of food, spices, drinks, and air in Vietnam are necessary for a comprehensive assessment of human health risks associated with MPs exposure.