Microplastics in Tai lake food web: Trophic transfer and human health risk assessment

• Published in: Environmental toxicology and pharmacology 2023-08, Vol.101, p.104206-104206, Article 104206
• Main Authors: Bhutto, Seerat Ul Ain, Ma, Yi-fei, Akram, Muhammad, You, Xue-yi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ecopath; Food web magnification; Freshwater; Human exposure; Microplastics
• ISSN: 1382-6689; 1872-7077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104206

Although microplastics (MPs) in marine organisms have been widely studied, the toxicity of MPs in freshwaters and human health is still a global challenge. To fill this gap, we implemented an Ecopath and food web accumulation model to simulate the Tai Lake ecosystem, a region dependent on the tourism and seafood industries. Our results suggested the accumulation of MPs throughout the food web and ultimately reach organisms at high trophic levels, including human-being, who consume MPs through seafood. The adults were prone to consume more MPs than adolescents and children. Unlike clams, fish biota magnification factors indicated that MPs accumulation between specific predator-prey interactions is not expected. The abundance of MPs within clams reveals a potential risk of MPs entering the food web. To better understand the MPs transfer, we recommend paying greater attention to species-specific mechanisms and the resources they rely on. [Display omitted] •MPs transfer and human risk through the food web was determined.•Higher bioaccumulation factor of MPs observed in clams than in fish.•Low or no trophic magnification was noticed in food web at various MPs percentages.•Males > 18 were at highest risk whereas females of 2–5 years were at lowest risk.•The MPs, with carcinogenic monomers, should be controlled preferentially.