A recent investigation conducted by Dalhousie University revealed the presence of microplastics in lobsters harvested off the coast of Nova Scotia. Researchers from Dalhousie’s School for Resource and Environmental Studies gathered 16 lobsters from various regions of the province in 2022. They examined the edible parts of the tails by using a unique dye that illuminates microplastics when observed under a microscope.
The analysis of the 16 lobsters unveiled the existence of different types of microplastics, with an average of six to seven microplastic particles per gram of meat. The study, published in the journal Regional Studies in Marine Science, was led by Amber LeBlanc, who was a master’s student at Dalhousie during the study’s execution.
The size of the microplastics, averaging 3.65 micrometres, was notably smaller than a human hair’s diameter. The predominant types of plastics identified in the lobsters were polyethylene vinyl acetate, polyester, and polysulfone, commonly used in various products such as packaging, clothing fibers, and industrial applications.
The lobsters were obtained from four different sites in Nova Scotia, with the highest concentration of microplastics found in lobsters from southwest Nova Scotia. Despite the findings, LeBlanc emphasized the necessity for further research due to the limited sample size.
On the health implications, Karl Jobst, an associate professor at Memorial University, highlighted the uncertainty regarding the effects of microplastics on human health. While microplastics have been detected in blood and placental tissue, the extent of exposure required to cause adverse effects remains unclear.
Representatives from Nova Scotia’s seafood industry expressed concerns about the study’s sample size, emphasizing that microplastics are prevalent in various food sources. They suggested viewing the issue in a broader context and reassured consumers about the safety of consuming lobster as a sustainable and nutritious protein source.
The study authors stressed the need for additional research to comprehend the impact of microplastics on both lobsters and human health. Despite the findings, it is premature to draw definitive conclusions on the potential risks associated with consuming lobster contaminated with microplastics.
