Which Fish Contain the Most Microplastics — and Why You Should Avoid Eating Them

 The Study: How It Was Conducted

Researchers purchased a selection of seafood from Australian fish markets, including:

• 10 farmed oysters

• 10 farmed tiger prawns

• 5 wild blue crabs

• 10 wild squid

• 10 wild sardines

They were prepared and analyzed just as a consumer would consume them. The edible parts were tested using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, a high-precision method that detects even the smallest plastic particles in complex organic material. This process identified particles such as polystyrene, polyethylene, PVC, polypropylene, and methyl methacrylate.

 Which Fish Contain the Most Microplastics?

While microplastics are found in almost all seafood, some species accumulate more due to their feeding habits and biological structure.

Here are the results, ranked by microplastic content:

These levels are concerning, especially in sardines, which are commonly eaten whole — bones, organs, and all — increasing exposure to plastic particles.

 What Happens If We Eat Microplastics?

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