HALIFAX — A recent study has found microplastics in the tails of lobsters caught off the coast of Nova Scotia, raising concerns about plastic pollution in seafood. The research, published in the journal Regional Studies in Marine Science, highlights the potential risks of consuming contaminated marine life.

Co-author Amber LeBlanc, a researcher at Dalhousie University, stated that the study serves as a warning about how plastic pollution is affecting food sources. "It seems like it’s moving from the ocean floor to our dinner plates. That adds a whole new layer of urgency," she said.

The researchers discovered various types of microplastics in the edible meat of all lobsters examined. They identified the primary sources of these plastics as polyester clothing, industrial adhesives, and marine-grade plastics. The most common polymers found were polyethylene vinyl acetate and polyester, each making up 25 percent of the total, followed by polysulfone at 19 percent.

According to Environment Canada, nearly five million tonnes of plastic waste were generated in Canada in 2021, with only seven percent being recycled. The remainder ended up in landfills or as environmental litter. While plastics can break down into smaller particles, they do not fully dissolve and can contaminate soil and water supplies.

LeBlanc emphasized the need for further research to understand the impact of microplastics on lobsters and human health. The study notes that the widespread consumption of lobster makes it crucial to assess the extent of microplastic contamination in lobster muscle tissue. Previous studies have shown that microplastics can increase mortality rates in other crustaceans and cause health issues in shrimp.

The study warns that lobsters may face increased mortality risks due to compromised nutrient uptake and reduced oxygen consumption, which could also affect the commercial fishing industry. In 2023, Nova Scotia's commercial fishers landed lobsters worth over $821,000, making it a significant part of the province's $1.3 billion seafood industry.

Concerns about human health are also growing, as other studies have detected microplastics in human tissues, linking them to potential health risks such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and various cancers. LeBlanc called for improved management of plastic waste and more research into the effects of microplastics.

The study involved 16 lobsters sourced from retail outlets across four commercial fishing areas in Nova Scotia. Researchers used a dye called Nile red to visualize the microplastics under a microscope and employed Raman Spectroscopy to identify their chemical signatures. On average, each gram of lobster meat contained six to seven microplastic particles, with an average size of 3.65 micrometers, significantly smaller than a human hair.

LeBlanc noted the increasing production of microplastics without a clear understanding of their effects. "There are thousands of different chemical compositions, and we don’t know what the effects are," she said. The study adds to existing research that has already confirmed the presence of microplastics in other seafood, such as mussels, clams, and oysters, but highlights a gap in research regarding lobsters in Canadian waters.