Microplastics with sorbed chemical contaminants are found globally in aquatic environments. However, the extent to which microplastics can act as carriers for microplastic-associated chemicals in marine organisms remains poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the occurrence of microplastics and emerging contaminants (ECs), including antibiotics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 14 marine fish species. Microplastics were detected in all marine fish species, mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. There was a significant relationship between microplastic and fluoroquinolones and perfluoroalkyl acids in fish muscle (p < 0.05). Structural equation modeling was applied to reveal the contribution of microplastics in fish on the level of ECs contamination. The health quotient value indicated the low health risk of single compounds via fish consumption to humans; however, the combined risk of microplastics and ECs still needs to be considered. This work provided baseline information regarding microplastics and the contamination of ECs from microplastic ingestion in fish and highlighted the link between microplastics ingested by aquatic organisms and the human health risk of consuming polluted seafood.

 

Microplastics;,emerging contaminants,fish,risk assessment