Microplastic contamination in salt-cured fish and commercial sea salts: an emerging food safety threat in relation to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Palanisamy, Suguna; Naidu, Bejawada Chanikya; Venkatesh, Sandhiya; Porayil, Layana; Balange, Amjad Khansaheb; Nayak, Binaya Bhusan; Shaju, Sudheesan; Xavier, Martin

Microplastic (MP) contamination in seafood, particularly processed varieties like dried and salt-cured fish, poses a significant threat to human health. This study investigated MP levels in 22 salt-cured fish species and commercial sea salts along the Indian east coast. Results showed substantially higher MP concentrations compared to global averages, with fragments and fibres (< 250 µm) composing 70% of identified MPs, primarily PVC and PS polymers (> 55%). Station 2 exhibited high pollution levels, with salt-cured fish averaging 54.06 ± 14.48 MP items/g and salt containing 23.53 ± 4.2 MP items/g, indicating a high hazard risk index. A modest correlation was observed between MP abundance, morphotypes, polymer composition in the salt, and their impact on fish products. Given the critical link between food safety, security, and public health, further research is imperative to mitigate MP contamination, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 2, Goal 3, Goal 14, and Goal 15) for enhanced food safety and security.

UNITED Nations; FISHERIES; SEA salt; FOOD safety; SUSTAINABLE development; SALTWATER fishing; PLASTIC marine debris; SEAFOOD

Environmental Science & Pollution Research, 2024, Vol 31, Issue 21, p30688

0944-1344

Academic Journal

10.1007/s11356-024-33215-y