via UMass Blogs
Key knowledge gaps exist in our understanding of how ocean microplastics transport bacteria and viruses – and whether this affects the health of humans and animals, researchers say.
With millions of tons of plastic reaching the world’s oceans every year – and trillions of particles floating on the surface – the potential impacts of plastic pollution are vast.
Plastic particles are known to carry specific combinations of metals, pollutants and pathogens (bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that can cause disease).
But the new study, by the University of Exeter and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), says critical questions remain about the role of microplastics in carrying pathogens, and possible threats to food production and safety.
The paper focusses on aquaculture (seafood farming), which is expected to play a vital role in feeding the world’s growing population, and already faces challenges due to diseases.
“Microplastic fragments differ markedly from natural floating particles, and there is growing evidence that they represent a potential reservoir of pathogens,” said Dr Ceri Lewis, of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute.
“Of particular concern are the increasing reports of the presence of numerous pathogens on plastic surfaces in oceans around the world.
“One study found antimicrobial-resistant bacteria at concentrations 100-5,000 times higher on microplastic surfaces than in surrounding seawater.
“However, the effects of all this on marine animals, aquaculture and ultimately human health are really unknown at this point.”
Many studies have suggested that disease transfer from plastic to ingesting organisms may occur, but this has not been demonstrated experimentally.
Seafood fears
Aquaculture is now the fastest-growing food sector, and bivalves (such as mussels and oysters) arguably offer the best route to increase production globally.
However, bivalves are filter-feeders and are known to take in microplastic particles from seawater.
“Understanding any risk of pathogen transport associated with microplastic is important for the aquaculture industry,” said lead author Jake Bowley, of the University of Exeter.
“Disease is one of the biggest issues faced by the industry.
“We mapped the abundance of sea-surface plastics against areas of intensive aquaculture, and the results show a number of areas of high aquaculture production in microplastic hotspots where pathogen transfer could theoretically occur.
“One such hotspot is in China, where 57 microplastic particles per individual have been reported in the commercially important Yesso clam.”
Dr Craig Baker-Austin, of Cefas, added: “Bacteria from a genus called vibrio – a globally important group of human and animal pathogens that are increasing in incidence – have been found in high levels on microplastics.
“Some vibrio bacteria are known to contribute to disease in bivalves, often causing mass mortality among larvae and in some cases mortality within adult bivalve populations.”
This research is funded by insurer AXA XL through their Ocean Risk Scholarships Programme.
The programme funds PhD research that examines how the ocean is changing and how that will impact the current and future risk landscape.
Geir Myre, AXA XL’s Global Head of Aquaculture, serves as a risk supervisor to Jake Bowley, providing advice on how this research is relevant to AXA XL and the wider aquaculture insurance industry.
Myre said: “Understanding the link between microplastics and the risk of transferring pathogens through shellfish is critical to our work to manage and transfer risk for the aquaculture industry.
“It’s one of many emerging risks we must consider as a result of human impact on the ocean and highlights the connection between ocean risks and public health and safety.”
Dr Lewis added: “There is a lot we still need to know about the impact of plastic pollution.
“Shining a light on this pressing environmental, food safety and microbiological issue is really important.
“However, it’s likely that any negative impacts will get worse if we continue to dump plastic into the oceans at the current rate.
“We urgently need to move to more sustainable and circular economy approaches to our use of plastic materials to drastically reduce the input of plastics into the environment.”
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Disease risks from ocean plastics
- The world has a chance to end plastic pollution – the petrochemical giants mustn’t spoil it
The UN global plastic treaty could be as important as the 2015 Paris accords, says Steve Fletcher, professor of ocean policy and economy at the University of Portsmouth ...
- Guest Commentary | Why stakes couldn’t be higher on Global Plastics Treaty
Plastics have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, lung disease and birth defects,” writes Susan Bass in a Guest Commentary. “Recently researchers found ...
- Plastics treaty could have major benefit for Pacific
One scientist and his team say new data they've produced shows it is possible to achieve a goal of zero plastic pollution by 2040.
- 5 Ways To Reduce Your Microplastics Exposure In The ‘Plasticene’ Era
Emerging research shows microplastics—which are everywhere—are linked to health problems. Here are five ways to reduce your microplastics exposure.
- Link between plastic and heart attacks shows it's time to reduce packaging and its chemicals
Plastic has now been linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death in humans. At what point will policymakers realize this material — which lingers for centuries and is made ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Disease risks from ocean plastics
[google_news title=”” keyword=”disease risks from ocean plastics” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Ocean plastics
- Plastic Pollution Talks Move Closer To World-first Pact
A fourth and penultimate round of UN-led negotiations to solve global plastic pollution wrapped up in Ottawa early on Tuesday with a world-first pact said to be within reach by year's end but without ...
- Plastic talks end without agreement on curbing production
Negotiations on a future global treaty to tackle soaring plastic pollution wrapped up early on Tuesday without agreement on a proposal to consider sustainable plastic production limits. The talks were ...
- Study details finding of plastic in arteries of patients with atherosclerosis
The problem of forever plastics isn’t something new. But it might surprise you to learn that the same plastic that has become so pervasive in our environment and the food we eat, is now also part of ...
- Nonprofit to showcase results of Bermuda research trip during For the Ocean Gala
Plastic Ocean Project returned earlier this month from a 10-day research trip to Bermuda, and the findings of the trip will be revealed during the third annual For the Ocean Gala on Saturday, May 4.
- SeaSweepers Kicks Off Ocean Plastic Recycling Pilot by Conducting Partnership Research Tours
SeaSweepers LLC., a Miami-based marine plastics upcycling company, announced the completion of their first two research tours with ocean conservation ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Ocean plastics
[google_news title=”” keyword=”ocean plastics” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]