Chittagong:Microplastics (MPs) have been detected in all commercially dried seafood samples examined from four coastal regions of Bangladesh, with abundance ranging from 0.25 to 1.30 MPs per gram of dry weight, according to a latest study.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the study identified hazardous polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) contributing to elevated risk levels. The research was conducted by Mohammed Ashraful Azam Khan, Kazi Nusrat Jahan Ouishi, Habibur Rahman Pias, Nadia Islam Riya, and Shanjida Akter Joyoti from the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong. The study assessed microplastic abundance, physical characteristics, polymer composition, spatial variation, and polymer-associated hazards in seafood from regions including the Sundarbans, Kuakata, Teknaf, and Cox's Bazar.
The study analyzed six species Harpadon nehereus, Trichiurus lepturus, Setipinna phasa, Johnius argentatus, Penaeus monodon, and Metapenaeus monoceros. Regional mean abundance ranged from 0.57 ± 0.26 MPs per gram in Teknaf to 0.91 ± 0.36 MPs per gram in Sundarban, with no significant difference among the regions. Fibers were the dominant morphology, and blue and black particles were frequently observed. Smaller size fractions constituted a substantial portion of the recovered MPs.
The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified seven polymer types, with polyethylene and polypropylene occurring most frequently. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) varied among regions, reflecting differences in polymer composition and specific hazard scores.
The findings provide a quantitative baseline for MP occurrence and polymer-associated hazards in dried seafood from coastal Bangladesh. The study highlights the need to distinguish environmental contamination from inputs during post-harvest processing and handling. Future studies are suggested to compare seafood before and after drying and assess individual processing stages and dietary exposure to clarify contamination pathways and implications for consumer exposure and food safety.
Source United News of Bangladesh