Journal of Epidemiology and Health Sciences
Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): September - December

Microplastic Contamination in Fish and Shellfish: A Review

Magvirah Tuljannah (Faculty of Public Health, Master of Public Health Study Program, Halu Oleo University, Indonesia,)
Ramadhan Tosepu (Faculty of Public Health, Master of Public Health Study Program, Halu Oleo University, Indonesia)
Asramid Yasin (Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Halu Oleo University, Indonesia,)
Jafriati (Faculty of Public Health, Master of Public Health Study Program, Halu Oleo University, Indonesia)
Ranno Marlany Rachman (Faculty of Engineering, Halu Oleo University, Indonesia)
Surya Cipta Ramadhan Kete (Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Halu Oleo University, Indonesia,)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: The continuous increase in global plastic production without adequate management has led to the entry of microplastics into aquatic ecosystems. The accumulation of these particles in marine biota, especially fish and shellfish, which are the main food sources for the Indonesian people, raises concerns about potential risks to human health. Objective: his article aims to review microplastic contamination in fish and shellfish in Indonesia and examine its implications for human health. Methods: This study used a literature review method by selecting 10 articles published between 2020 and 2025 from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Garuda databases Results: Studies show that microplastics are consistently found in various fish species (e.g., Sardinella fimbriata, mackerel, red snapper) and blood clams (Anadara granosa) in Kendari, South Sulawesi, Java, Banten, and Southeast Asian waters. The dominant type is fiber, followed by fragments and film, with the main polymers being polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyamide (PA). Clams, as filter feeders, tend to accumulate higher levels of particles than fish, while spatial variations indicate the influence of local anthropogenic activities. From a health perspective, exposure to microplastics has the potential to cause tissue irritation, inflammation, and long-term toxicity due to their ability to adsorb hazardous chemicals. Conclusion: The study confirms that microplastic contamination in fish and shellfish is a serious issue in Indonesia with implications for public health. Mitigation efforts are needed through land-based plastic waste control, standardization of marine biota surveillance, and public education to reduce exposure risks.  

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jehs

Publisher

Subject

Environmental Science Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Journal of Epidemiology and Health Sciences (JEHS) adalah jurnal ilmiah hasil kolaborasi antara Yayasan Cipta Anak Bangsa (YCAB) Publisher dan Politeknik Baubau Sulawesi Tenggara. Jurnal ini menerbitkan hasil penelitian dan studi tentang epidemiologi dan isu-isu ilmu kesehatan. Jurnal ini bertujuan ...