Project R-9937

Uptake, translocation and toxicity of microplastics isolated from shellfish in human gut cells. (Research)

The occurrence of microplastics in the marine environment can pose a risk to human health via the consumption of seafood. However, because of the heterogeneous character of environmental microplastics and lacking toxicity data, a robust risk assessment for human health is difficult. The aim of this project is to find out whether and how different types of marine microplastics that are currently detected in blood cockle, an Indo-Pacific shellfish, can cause biological effects in humans. The study commences with a thorough determination of the physical and chemical characteristics of three different microplastic types (fibres, fragments and films), followed by an analysis of the uptake and transfer of these particles in the gut and is concluded with an in-depth assessment of potential adverse effects. The uptake, translocation and toxicity data gathered in the present project will support the assessment of human risks.

01 May 2019 - 31 October 2020