Microplastics and Anthropogenic Particles in Recreationally Caught Freshwater Fish from an Urbanized Region of the North American Great Lakes

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Microplastics have been documented in human breast milk at 0-2.72 particles/g tissue.

“Recent studies have documented the presence of microplastics in breast milk (0–2.72 particles/g tissue),2”

• cites [2] 2. Ragusa A, Notarstefano V, Svelato A, Belloni A, Gioacchini G, Blondeel C, et al. 2022. Raman microspectroscopy detection and characterisation of microplastics in human breastmilk. Polymers (Basel) 14(13):2700, PMID: 35808745, 10.3390/polym14132700. sourcePartly supported

  The Results report microplastics in 26 of 34 breastmilk samples, supporting their documented presence. The cited paper does not report a range of 0–2.72 particles/g tissue; its samples were breastmilk, not tissue. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Microplastics have been documented in human placenta (12 particles in 4 women's placentas).

“placenta (12 particles in 4 women’s placentas),3”

• cites [3] 3. Ragusa A, Svelato A, Santacroce C, Catalano P, Notarstefano V, Carnevali O, et al. 2021. Plasticenta: first evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environ Int 146:106274, PMID: 33395930, 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274. sourceSupported

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Microplastics are entering and accumulating in humans.

“More recently, scientists have demonstrated that microplastics are entering and accumulating in humans.”

• cites [2] 2. Ragusa A, Notarstefano V, Svelato A, Belloni A, Gioacchini G, Blondeel C, et al. 2022. Raman microspectroscopy detection and characterisation of microplastics in human breastmilk. Polymers (Basel) 14(13):2700, PMID: 35808745, 10.3390/polym14132700. sourcePartly supported

  The Abstract reports microplastics in 26 of 34 human breastmilk samples, and the Discussion describes their detection in human tissues and blood. These findings support that microplastics enter humans, but the Introduction says internalised particles may accumulate or be eliminated; the paper does not establish that they are accumulating in humans over time. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [3] 3. Ragusa A, Svelato A, Santacroce C, Catalano P, Notarstefano V, Carnevali O, et al. 2021. Plasticenta: first evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environ Int 146:106274, PMID: 33395930, 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274. sourcePartly supported

  The Results report 12 microplastic fragments in the placentas of four women, supporting that microplastics had entered human bodies. The Discussion says microplastics may accumulate, but the study does not demonstrate accumulation over time. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [4] 4. Amato-Lourenço LF, Carvalho-Oliveira R, Júnior GR, Dos Santos Galvão L, Ando RA, Mauad T. 2021. Presence of airborne microplastics in human lung tissue. J Hazard Mater 416:126124, PMID: 34492918, 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126124. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Human contamination by microplastics can occur via inhalation and ingestion.

“Contamination in humans can occur via various exposure pathways, including inhalation (particles in air and dust6,7) and ingestion (various types of food and beverages8–10).”

• cites [6] 6. Wright SL, Ulke J, Font A, Chan KLA, Kelly FJ. 2020. Atmospheric microplastic deposition in an urban environment and an evaluation of transport. Environ Int 136:105411, PMID: 31889555, 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105411. sourceSupported
• cites [7] 7. Abbasi S, Keshavarzi B, Moore F, Turner A, Kelly FJ, Dominguez AO, et al. 2019. Distribution and potential health impacts of microplastics and microrubbers in air and street dusts from Asaluyeh County, Iran. Environ Pollut 244:153–164, PMID: 30326387, 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.039. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [8] 8. Nizamali J, Mintenig SM, Koelmans AA. 2023. Assessing microplastic characteristics in bottled drinking water and air deposition samples using laser direct infrared imaging. J Hazard Mater 441:129942, 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129942. sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Laboratory experiments using fish have found that microplastics can cause reductions in growth.

“reductions in growth,26”

• cites [26] 26. Siddiqui S, Dickens JM, Cunningham BE, Hutton SJ, Pedersen EI, Harper B, et al. 2022. Internalization, reduced growth, and behavioral effects following exposure to micro and nano tire particles in two estuarine indicator species. Chemosphere 296:133934, PMID: 35176295, 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133934. sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Recent studies estimate that 39,000-320,000 microplastic particles might be ingested annually by adults.

“Recent studies estimate that 39,000–320,000 microplastic particles might be ingested annually by adults.11,12”

• cites [11] 11. Cox KD, Covernton GA, Davies HL, Dower JF, Juanes F, Dudas SE. 2019. Human consumption of microplastics. Environ Sci Technol 53(12):7068–7074, PMID: 31184127, 10.1021/acs.est.9b01517. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [12] 12. Mohamed Nor NH, Kooi M, Diepens NJ, Koelmans AA. 2021. Lifetime accumulation of microplastic in children and adults. Environ Sci Technol 55(8):5084–5096, PMID: 33724830, 10.1021/acs.est.0c07384. sourcePartly supported

  The Results and Discussion section reports a median adult intake of 883 particles per day, or about 322,000 per year, which supports the upper figure approximately. But that estimate combines food intake with inhalation, whereas the claim says “ingested”; our copy also does not give 39,000 per year as the lower figure. (LLM, conf=0.87)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

There is a wastewater treatment plant upstream that empties into Humber Bay.

“There is also a wastewater treatment plant upstream that empties into Humber Bay.39,40”

• cites [39] 39. Howell ET, Benoit N. 2021. Loading and lake circulation structures recurrent patterns of water quality on the Toronto–Mississauga waterfront of Lake Ontario. J Great Lakes Res 47(2):323–342, 10.1016/j.jglr.2020.10.012. sourcePartly supported

  The Area-specific features of water quality section describes discharges from the Humber wastewater treatment plant affecting the west side of Humber Bay. The paper does not establish that the plant is upstream, so that location qualifier is unsupported. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [40] 40. Howell ET, Benoit N. 2021. Nutrient footprints on the Toronto-Mississauga waterfront of Lake Ontario. J Great Lakes Res 47(2):343–365, 10.1016/j.jglr.2020.11.009. sourcePartly supported

  The “Phosphate and nitrate gradients near WWTP outfalls” section reports that effluent from the Humber WWTP affects Humber Bay, supporting the claim that a wastewater treatment plant discharges there. The paper does not establish that the plant is upstream of the location meant by the citing sentence; the “Study area” section distinguishes plants discharging directly to the lake from a plant upstream on the Don River. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Laboratory experiments using fish have found that microplastics can cause deformities during development.

“and deformities during development.27”

• cites [27] 27. Chibwe L, Parrott JL, Shires K, Khan H, Clarence S, Lavalle C, et al. 2022. A deep dive into the complex chemical mixture and toxicity of tire wear particle leachate in fathead minnow. Environ Toxicol Chem 41(5):1144–1153, PMID: 34125977, 10.1002/etc.5140. sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In vivo studies in mammals have shown effects at high exposure concentrations, including changes in energy and lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.

“In vivo studies examining the impacts of microplastics in mammals have also shown effects at high exposure concentrations, including changes in energy and lipid metabolism and oxidative stress (polystyrene particles 5μm in diameter at a concentration of 1.46×106 particles/0.5mL and 20μm in diameter at a concentration of 2.27×104 particles/0.5mL)30”

• cites [30] 30. Deng Y, Zhang Y, Lemos B, Ren H. 2017. Tissue accumulation of microplastics in mice and biomarker responses suggest widespread health risks of exposure. Sci Rep 7:46687, PMID: 28436478, 10.1038/srep46687. sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion and Results report changes in energy and lipid metabolism and oxidative-stress biomarkers in mice exposed to polystyrene microplastics. However, Methods > Tissue accumulation of MPs in mice gives the quoted particle counts for the fluorescent-particle accumulation experiment; Methods > Toxicological experiment gives different particle counts for the experiment that measured those effects. The sentence therefore supports the effects but attaches them to the wrong exact exposure counts. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The diversity of microplastics in the environment poses a challenge for establishing a risk assessment framework.

“The diversity of microplastics in the environment poses a challenge for establishing a risk assessment framework.33”

• cites [33] 33. Bucci K, Rochman CM. 2022. Microplastics: a multidimensional contaminant requires a multidimensional framework for assessing risk. Microplast nanoplast 2:7, 10.1186/s43591-022-00040-4. sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

There is still much uncertainty regarding the mechanisms of toxicity across organisms, as well as how they vary by taxa, types of microplastics, end points, and the threshold at which effects occur.

“There is still much uncertainty regarding the mechanisms of toxicity across organisms, as well as how they vary by taxa, types of microplastics, end points, and the threshold at which effects occur.28”

• cites [28] 28. Coffin S, Bouwmeester H, Brander S, Damdimopoulou P, Gouin T, Hermabessiere L, et al. 2022. Development and application of a health-based framework for informing regulatory action in relation to exposure of microplastic particles in California drinking water. Microplast nanoplast 2(1):12, PMID: 35634037, 10.1186/s43591-022-00030-6. sourcePartly supported

  The Implications and recommendations section identifies gaps in mechanistic understanding across endpoints and particle types. The Abstract says the evidence cannot support a human-health threshold for microplastics. The paper discusses mammalian and non-mammalian studies, but the cited passages do not establish uncertainty specifically about how toxicity mechanisms vary by taxon; its threshold finding is also specific to human health. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Laboratory experiments using fish have found that microplastics can cause changes in behavior.

“changes in behavior,26”

• cites [26] 26. Siddiqui S, Dickens JM, Cunningham BE, Hutton SJ, Pedersen EI, Harper B, et al. 2022. Internalization, reduced growth, and behavioral effects following exposure to micro and nano tire particles in two estuarine indicator species. Chemosphere 296:133934, PMID: 35176295, 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133934. sourceSupported

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

A recent study suggests we do not yet know enough to assess total risk from environmental exposure, noting concerns about the quantity and quality of studies to date.

“a recent study suggests we do not yet know enough to assess total risk from environmental exposure, noting concerns about the quantity and quality of the studies to date.28”

• cites [28] 28. Coffin S, Bouwmeester H, Brander S, Damdimopoulou P, Gouin T, Hermabessiere L, et al. 2022. Development and application of a health-based framework for informing regulatory action in relation to exposure of microplastic particles in California drinking water. Microplast nanoplast 2(1):12, PMID: 35634037, 10.1186/s43591-022-00030-6. sourcePartly supported

  The Results and discussion (Literature review and Tier 1 screening evaluation; no page supplied) identify study-quality problems and caution against predicting human-health implications from tests that poorly reflect environmental exposure. The Human-health guidance level recommendation says the data are insufficient for drinking-water advisory or regulatory levels, though adequate for a non-regulatory screening level. This supports uncertainty about risk, but the paper does not assess the broader ‘total risk from environmental exposure’ claimed here. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Exposure in humans includes a diversity of particles present in environmental samples, including numerous polymer types, morphologies, additives, and sizes.

“Exposure in humans includes a diversity of particles present in environmental samples (e.g., numerous polymer types, morphologies, additives, sizes).32,33”

• cites [32] 32. Thornton Hampton LM, Brander SM, Coffin S, Cole M, Hermabessiere L, Koelmans AA, et al. 2022. Characterizing microplastic hazards: which concentration metrics and particle characteristics are most informative for understanding toxicity in aquatic organisms? Microplast nanoplast 2:20, 10.1186/s43591-022-00040-4. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (page not available) lists size, morphology, polymer type, and chemical additives as microplastic features, and the ‘Microplastic characteristics of toxicological concern’ section describes their physical and chemical diversity. The paper discusses environmental microplastics and aquatic-organism toxicity, but these passages do not establish that human exposure includes that diversity of particles. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [33] 33. Bucci K, Rochman CM. 2022. Microplastics: a multidimensional contaminant requires a multidimensional framework for assessing risk. Microplast nanoplast 2:7, 10.1186/s43591-022-00040-4. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (page unavailable) describes microplastics as a diverse group of materials with features including size, morphology, polymer type, and chemical additives, and discusses environmental monitoring data. It does not establish that human exposure includes that diversity of particles, so the human-exposure portion is unsupported. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In vitro studies suggest that multiple end points are affected by microplastic particles, including cell viability and immune response.

“In vitro studies suggest that multiple end points are affected by microplastic particles, including cell viability (5 to 200 μm diameter particles at a concentration of 10μg/mL) and immune response (0.4 μm diameter particles at concentrations of 20μg/mL).29”

• cites [29] 29. Danopoulos E, Twiddy M, West R, Rotchell JM. 2022. A rapid review and meta-regression analyses of the toxicological impacts of microplastic exposure in human cells. J Hazard Mater 427:127861, PMID: 34863566, 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127861. sourcePartly supported

  Section 3.10.1 reports reduced cell viability at 10 μg/mL in HDF and HeLa cells, but does not support the claimed 5–200 μm particle range at that concentration. Section 3.6.1 reports altered IL-8 and MCP-1 release after exposure to 0.404 μm particles at 20 μg/mL, supporting the immune-response example. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

The negative relationship between fish length and fillet particle concentration suggests that bioaccumulation is not occurring, and instead other mechanisms such as growth dilution or biliary excretion may be driving this pattern.

“This suggests that bioaccumulation is not occurring, and instead other mechanisms (such as growth dilution or biliary excretion) may be driving this pattern.12,22”

• cites [12] 12. Mohamed Nor NH, Kooi M, Diepens NJ, Koelmans AA. 2021. Lifetime accumulation of microplastic in children and adults. Environ Sci Technol 55(8):5084–5096, PMID: 33724830, 10.1021/acs.est.0c07384. sourceCould not verify

  The Plastic Model section describes estimating microplastic concentrations in fish muscle from gut measurements, but does not examine fish length or a relationship between length and fillet particle concentration. It models biliary excretion in humans, not as an explanation for a pattern in fish. Searches for growth dilution, fish length, and fish bioaccumulation found no passage addressing the claimed inference. (LLM, conf=0.76)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [22] 22. McIlwraith HK, Kim J, Helm P, Bhavsar SP, Metzger JS, Rochman CM. 2021. Evidence of microplastic translocation in wild-caught fish and implications for microplastic accumulation dynamics in food webs. Environ Sci Technol 55(18):12372–12382, PMID: 34499472, 10.1021/acs.est.1c02922. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

• AssumptionThe authors state this as an assumption: Fish total length is a proxy for age.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Some in vitro and in vivo studies examining impacts of microplastics on mammals show effects, such as intestinal barrier disfunction and alteration of biomarkers.

“Although some in vitro and in vivo studies examining impacts of microplastics on mammals show effects, such as intestinal barrier disfunction and alteration of biomarkers,30,31”

• cites [30] 30. Deng Y, Zhang Y, Lemos B, Ren H. 2017. Tissue accumulation of microplastics in mice and biomarker responses suggest widespread health risks of exposure. Sci Rep 7:46687, PMID: 28436478, 10.1038/srep46687. sourcePartly supported

  The Abstract reports that microplastic exposure in mice altered several biochemical and blood biomarkers, supporting the biomarker part of the claim. The paper does not report intestinal barrier dysfunction; its Discussion addresses gut accumulation and possible effects on food absorption, which are not the same finding. No page numbers are available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [31] 31. Jin Y, Lu L, Tu W, Luo T, Fu Z. 2019. Impacts of polystyrene microplastic on the gut barrier, microbiota and metabolism of mice. Sci Total Environ 649:308–317, PMID: 30176444, 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.353. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Most studies looking at environmental samples are constrained by methods that detect larger particles (e.g., LODs of spectroscopy are generally >10μm), while many laboratory studies testing effects look at smaller particles.

“most studies looking at environmental samples are constrained by methods that detect larger particles (e.g., LODs of spectroscopy are generally >10μm),71 many laboratory studies testing effects look at smaller particles.72”

• cites [71] 71. Löder MGJ, Gerdts G. 2015. Methodology used for the detection and identification of microplastics—a critical appraisal. In: Marine Anthropogenic Litter. Bergmann M, Gutow L, Klages M, eds. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 201–227. sourcePartly supported

  Section 8.2.1 says commonly used sampling nets do not quantitatively collect particles below 300 µm, supporting the claim that environmental studies often miss smaller particles. Section 8.4.2.4 gives a roughly 10 µm resolution for micro-FTIR, but section 8.4.2.3 says micro-Raman can identify particles below 1 µm; the paper therefore does not support a general spectroscopy limit above 10 µm. The separately cited statement about laboratory effects studies is not assessed here. (LLM, conf=0.87)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [72] 72. Kwon JH, Kim JW, Pham TD, Tarafdar A, Hong S, Chun SH, et al. 2020. Microplastics in food: a review on analytical methods and challenges. Int J Environ Res Public Health 17(18):6710, PMID: 32942613, 10.3390/ijerph17186710. sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion (§4.1) says the predominant FT-IR and Raman methods can confirm microplastics only above 10 μm, supporting the detection-limit point. The review concerns microplastics in food, however, so it does not establish that most studies of environmental samples generally face this constraint. The separate claim about laboratory effects studies is attached to citation 72, not this source. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Other factors (e.g., proximity to sources of microplastics into the environment, ecological traits) might be more important to consider in predicting contamination of fish and the resulting exposure in humans.

“Instead, it is possible that other factors (e.g., proximity to sources of microplastics into the environment, ecological traits)76,78 might be more important to consider in predicting contamination of fish and the resulting exposure in humans.”

• cites [76] 76. Covernton GA, Cox KD, Fleming WL, Buirs BM, Davies HL, Juanes F, et al. 2022. Large size (>100-μm) microplastics are not biomagnifying in coastal marine food webs of British Columbia, Canada. Ecol Appl 32(7):e2654, PMID: 35543035, 10.1002/eap.2654. sourceSupported
• cites [78] 78. Covernton GA, Davies HL, Cox KD, El-Sabaawi R, Juanes F, Dudas SE, et al. 2021. A Bayesian analysis of the factors determining microplastics ingestion in fishes. J Hazard Mater 413:125405, PMID: 33930957, 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125405. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

There are conflicting reports of no acute toxicity from microplastics.

“there are also conflicting reports of no acute toxicity from microplastics.69,70”

• cites [69] 69. Lehner R, Wohlleben W, Septiadi D, Landsiedel R, Petri-Fink A, Rothen-Rutishauser B. 2020. A novel 3D intestine barrier model to study the immune response upon exposure to microplastics. Arch Toxicol 94(7):2463–2479, PMID: 32307674, 10.1007/s00204-020-02750-1. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [70] 70. Hesler M, Aengenheister L, Ellinger B, Drexel R, Straskraba S, Jost C, et al. 2019. Multi-endpoint toxicological assessment of polystyrene nano- and microparticles in different biological models in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 61:104610, PMID: 31362040, 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104610. sourcePartly supported

  The discussion (page unavailable) reports no major impact on viability in the intestinal and placental models, supporting a report of no acute toxicity in those settings. But it also reports that polystyrene microparticles were toxic to NIH/3T3 and mouse embryonic stem cells at 25–100 µg/mL, so the unqualified claim of no acute toxicity from microplastics overstates this source. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Microplastics have the potential to cause negative physical effects (e.g., food dilution in Daphnia magna) and chemical effects (e.g., plastic additives reduce ecophysiological function in Arenicola marina).

“Concerns surrounding the direct harm of consuming microplastics arises owing to the potential for microplastics to cause negative physical effects (e.g., food dilution in Daphnia magna)62 and chemical effects (e.g., plastic additives reduce ecophysiological function in Arenicola marina).63,64”

• cites [62] 62. Amariei G, Rosal R, Fernández-Piñas F, Koelmans AA. 2022. Negative food dilution and positive biofilm carrier effects of microplastic ingestion by D. magna cause tipping points at the population level. Environ Pollut 294:118622, PMID: 34871644, 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118622. sourceSupported
• cites [63] 63. Lithner D, Larsson Å, Dave G. 2011. Environmental and health hazard ranking and assessment of plastic polymers based on chemical composition. Sci Total Environ 409(18):3309–3324, PMID: 21663944, 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.04.038. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [64] 64. Browne MA, Niven SJ, Galloway TS, Rowland SJ, Thompson RC. 2013. Microplastic moves pollutants and additives to worms, reducing functions linked to health and biodiversity. Curr Biol 23(23):2388–2392, PMID: 24309271, 10.1016/j.cub.2013.10.012. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Fish exposed to tire particles and their leachate have been observed to show altered behavior and growth, as well as decreased heart rates and reduced hatching success.

“fish exposed to tire particles and their leachate have been observed to show altered behavior and growth,26 as well as decreased heart rates and reduced hatching success.27”

• cites [26] 26. Siddiqui S, Dickens JM, Cunningham BE, Hutton SJ, Pedersen EI, Harper B, et al. 2022. Internalization, reduced growth, and behavioral effects following exposure to micro and nano tire particles in two estuarine indicator species. Chemosphere 296:133934, PMID: 35176295, 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133934. sourcePartly supported

  The Results and discussion section reports altered behavior in fish exposed to tire-particle leachate, and the Conclusion reports reduced fish growth after particle exposure. The Conclusion also says leachate had an insignificant effect on growth, so the claim is not supported if it attributes reduced growth to leachate. Decreased heart rates and hatching success are attached to citation 27, not this source. (LLM, conf=0.87)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [27] 27. Chibwe L, Parrott JL, Shires K, Khan H, Clarence S, Lavalle C, et al. 2022. A deep dive into the complex chemical mixture and toxicity of tire wear particle leachate in fathead minnow. Environ Toxicol Chem 41(5):1144–1153, PMID: 34125977, 10.1002/etc.5140. sourceSupported

May combine two claims.

The negative relationship between fish length and fillet concentrations supports the possibility that translocated anthropogenic particles can be excreted over time (e.g., biliary excretion) or there may be growth dilution.

“This supports the possibility that translocated anthropogenic particles can be excreted over time (e.g., biliary excretion) or there may be growth dilution.12,22”

• cites [12] 12. Mohamed Nor NH, Kooi M, Diepens NJ, Koelmans AA. 2021. Lifetime accumulation of microplastic in children and adults. Environ Sci Technol 55(8):5084–5096, PMID: 33724830, 10.1021/acs.est.0c07384. sourcePartly supported

  In Materials and Methods > Plastic Model and Results and Discussion > Lifetime Exposure to Microplastic (page unavailable), the paper models biliary excretion of microplastics from human tissue as a possible pathway. It estimates fish muscle concentrations for dietary exposure, but does not link fish length to fillet concentrations or discuss growth dilution as an explanation. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [22] 22. McIlwraith HK, Kim J, Helm P, Bhavsar SP, Metzger JS, Rochman CM. 2021. Evidence of microplastic translocation in wild-caught fish and implications for microplastic accumulation dynamics in food webs. Environ Sci Technol 55(18):12372–12382, PMID: 34499472, 10.1021/acs.est.1c02922. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

We did not observe evidence of bioaccumulation or biomagnification of microplastics in fish.

“Here, similar to findings reported in other studies, we did not observe evidence of bioaccumulation22,23 or biomagnification.23,76”

• cites [22] 22. McIlwraith HK, Kim J, Helm P, Bhavsar SP, Metzger JS, Rochman CM. 2021. Evidence of microplastic translocation in wild-caught fish and implications for microplastic accumulation dynamics in food webs. Environ Sci Technol 55(18):12372–12382, PMID: 34499472, 10.1021/acs.est.1c02922. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [23] 23. Akhbarizadeh R, Moore F, Keshavarzi B. 2019. Investigating microplastics bioaccumulation and biomagnification in seafood from the Persian Gulf: a threat to human health? Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 36(11):1696–1708, PMID: 31393815, 10.1080/19440049.2019.1649473. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [76] 76. Covernton GA, Cox KD, Fleming WL, Buirs BM, Davies HL, Juanes F, et al. 2022. Large size (>100-μm) microplastics are not biomagnifying in coastal marine food webs of British Columbia, Canada. Ecol Appl 32(7):e2654, PMID: 35543035, 10.1002/eap.2654. sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Discrepancies in microplastic toxicity results are likely due to exposure experiments using different concentrations, and variations in results could be relevant to the polymer type, morphology, or size used in the study.

“Discrepancies are likely due to exposure experiments using different concentrations, but also these variations in results could be relevant to the polymer type, morphology, or size used in the study.28”

• cites [28] 28. Coffin S, Bouwmeester H, Brander S, Damdimopoulou P, Gouin T, Hermabessiere L, et al. 2022. Development and application of a health-based framework for informing regulatory action in relation to exposure of microplastic particles in California drinking water. Microplast nanoplast 2(1):12, PMID: 35634037, 10.1186/s43591-022-00030-6. sourcePartly supported

  The Tier 2 expert evaluation (page unavailable) says particle size and polymer composition can influence uptake and the interpretation of physiological effects; its comparison of polystyrene spheres with polyethylene fragments also bears on morphology. The paper discusses exposure concentrations and dose–response relationships, but does not establish that different concentrations are the likely cause of discrepancies between studies. It also cautions that the proposed size-based explanation for one contrasting result could not be confirmed. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

It is unclear if toxicological effects from physical or chemical mechanisms of microplastics are occurring in humans, and at what thresholds effects occur.

“However, it is unclear if toxicological effects from either of these mechanisms are occurring in humans, and at what thresholds effects occur.”

• cites [30] 30. Deng Y, Zhang Y, Lemos B, Ren H. 2017. Tissue accumulation of microplastics in mice and biomarker responses suggest widespread health risks of exposure. Sci Rep 7:46687, PMID: 28436478, 10.1038/srep46687. sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion (page not provided) says no quantitative data on microplastics in human tissues had been reported and describes adverse-effects research in mammals as limited, supporting uncertainty about effects in humans. It does not address whether physical versus chemical mechanisms cause human toxicity or identify thresholds at which human effects occur; the reported doses and biomarker responses are from mice. (LLM, conf=0.81)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [31] 31. Jin Y, Lu L, Tu W, Luo T, Fu Z. 2019. Impacts of polystyrene microplastic on the gut barrier, microbiota and metabolism of mice. Sci Total Environ 649:308–317, PMID: 30176444, 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.353. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [69] 69. Lehner R, Wohlleben W, Septiadi D, Landsiedel R, Petri-Fink A, Rothen-Rutishauser B. 2020. A novel 3D intestine barrier model to study the immune response upon exposure to microplastics. Arch Toxicol 94(7):2463–2479, PMID: 32307674, 10.1007/s00204-020-02750-1. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

There are critical gaps in knowledge surrounding the toxicokinetics and mechanisms of toxicity for environmental mixtures of microplastics, as well as the amount of microplastics that are likely to cause an adverse effect in humans.

“Currently, there are critical gaps in knowledge surrounding the toxicokinetics and mechanisms of toxicity for environmental mixtures of microplastics, as well as the amount of microplastics that are likely to cause an adverse effect in humans.28”

• cites [28] 28. Coffin S, Bouwmeester H, Brander S, Damdimopoulou P, Gouin T, Hermabessiere L, et al. 2022. Development and application of a health-based framework for informing regulatory action in relation to exposure of microplastic particles in California drinking water. Microplast nanoplast 2(1):12, PMID: 35634037, 10.1186/s43591-022-00030-6. sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The species should be largely local to the Humber Bay area, but their potential foraging in other parts of Lake Ontario could have contributed to variability in microplastic levels.

“Although these species should be largely local to the Humber Bay area of the fish collection, their potential foraging in other parts of Lake Ontario could have contributed to the variability in the microplastic levels.83”

• cites [83] 83. Brownscombe JW, Midwood JD, Doka SE, Cooke SJ. 2023. Telemetry-based spatial–temporal fish habitat models for fishes in an urban freshwater harbour. Hydrobiologia 850(8):1779–1800, PMID: 37063494, 10.1007/s10750-023-05180-z. sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion (page unavailable) reports seasonal use of Toronto Harbour and says some fish may use habitats outside the harbour, supporting the possibility of movement into other parts of Lake Ontario. It does not establish that the collected species are largely local to Humber Bay, document foraging elsewhere in the lake, or link movement to variability in microplastic levels. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Of the 566 subsampled particles, 11% (N=61) were natural and 9% (N=52) were unknown.

“11% (N=61) were natural, and 9% (N=52) were unknown (Figure S2A).”

May combine two claims.

Microplastic body burden was significantly different among species for total amount (p=0.02) and within GI tracts (p=0.01), but not for fillets (p=0.1).

“Microplastic body burden was significantly different among species for total amount (p=0.02) and within GI tracts (p=0.01), but not for fillets (p=0.1).”

May combine two claims.

For the GI tract, the mean particle length was 1.3±3.5mm, and in the fillet, mean particle length was 0.7±1.0mm.

“For the GI tract, the mean particle length was 1.3±3.5mm, and in the fillet, mean particle length was 0.7±1.0mm (Figure S3).”

May combine two claims.

Brown bullheads had significantly more particles in total, and within their GI tracts, than largemouth bass.

“Brown bullheads had significantly more particles in total, and within their GI tracts, than largemouth bass.”

May combine two claims.

A PERMANOVA detected a significant difference among morphologies between the GI tract and fillets (p=0.002), likely driven by the rubber particles in the GI tracts.

“A PERMANOVA detected a significant difference among morphologies between the GI tract and fillets (p=0.002; Figure S4B), likely driven by the rubber particles in the GI tracts.”

The quote only partly states this claim.

Anthropogenic particles were observed in the GI tracts and fillets of all six fish species.

“We observed anthropogenic particles in the GI tracts and fillets of all species.”

May combine two claims.

Adjusted to particles per gram of tissue, there was a mean of 9.8±32.6 particles/g in the GI tract and a mean of 0.5±0.8 particles/g in the fillets.

“Adjusted to particles per gram of tissue, there was a mean of 9.8±32.6 particles/g in the GI tract and a mean of 0.5±0.8 particles/g in the fillets.”

May combine two claims.

No relationship was observed between counts in the two tissues; counts of anthropogenic particles in the GI tracts were not a predictor of counts in the fillets.

“We observed no relationship between counts in the two tissues; counts of anthropogenic particles in the GI tracts were not a predictor of counts in the fillets (Figure S5).”

May combine two claims.

We observed significant differences in contamination of microplastic and anthropogenic particles between species; brown bullhead had significantly more particles overall and in the GI tract than largemouth bass.

“We observed significant differences in contamination of microplastic and anthropogenic particles between species; brown bullhead had significantly more particles overall and in the GI tract than largemouth bass.”

May combine two claims.

Based on the species used in this study, which occupy a narrow range of trophic positions, we observed no evidence of biomagnification; there was no positive relationship between anthropogenic particle concentration and trophic level.

“Based on the species used in this study, which occupy a narrow range of trophic positions, we observed no evidence of biomagnification; that is, there was no positive relationship between anthropogenic particle concentration and trophic level (Figure S6).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The species used in this study occupy a narrow range of trophic positions.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Microplastics are a pervasive contaminant in the environment globally.

“It has been well documented that microplastics, pieces of plastic 1μm–5mm in size, are a pervasive contaminant in the environment globally.1”

• cites [1] 1. Thompson RC, Olsen Y, Mitchell RP, Davis A, Rowland SJ, John AWG, et al. 2004. Lost at sea: where is all the plastic? Science 304(5672):838, PMID: 15131299, 10.1126/science.1094559. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Microplastics have been documented in human lungs at 0.56 particles/g tissue.

“lungs (0.56 particles/g tissue),4”

• cites [4] 4. Amato-Lourenço LF, Carvalho-Oliveira R, Júnior GR, Dos Santos Galvão L, Ando RA, Mauad T. 2021. Presence of airborne microplastics in human lung tissue. J Hazard Mater 416:126124, PMID: 34492918, 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126124. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Microplastics have been documented in human blood at mean=1.6μg/mL.

“and human blood (mean=1.6μg/mL).5”

• cites [5] 5. Leslie HA, van Velzen MJM, Brandsma SH, Vethaak AD, Garcia-Vallejo JJ, Lamoree MH. 2022. Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood. Environ Int 163:107199, PMID: 35367073, 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107199. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Mechanisms of translocation have been proposed for micro- and nanoplastic particles, including by vesicular processes such as endocytosis by enterocytes.

“Mechanisms of translocation have been proposed for micro- and nanoplastic particles, including by vesicular processes, such as endocytosis19 by enterocytes.20”

• cites [19] 19. Handy RD, Henry TB, Scown TM, Johnston BD, Tyler CR. 2008. Manufactured nanoparticles: their uptake and effects on fish—a mechanistic analysis. Ecotoxicology 17(5):396–409, PMID: 18408995, 10.1007/s10646-008-0205-1. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [20] 20. Løvmo SD, Speth MT, Repnik U, Koppang EO, Griffiths GW, Hildahl JP. 2017. Translocation of nanoparticles and Mycobacterium marinum across the intestinal epithelium in zebrafish and the role of the mucosal immune system. Dev Comp Immunol 67:508–518, PMID: 27343826, 10.1016/j.dci.2016.06.016. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The LOD was calculated as the mean plus three times the standard deviation and was used to exclude particles from samples below the LOD.

“The LOD was calculated as the mean plus three times the standard deviation (SD) and was used to exclude particles from samples that were below the LOD.53”

• cites [53] 53. Brander SM, Renick VC, Foley MM, Steele C, Woo M, Lusher A, et al. 2020. Sampling and quality assurance and quality control: a guide for scientists investigating the occurrence of microplastics across matrices. Appl Spectrosc 74(9):1099–1125, PMID: 32643389, 10.1177/0003702820945713. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Blank sample counts were used to calculate a limit of detection (LOD) for each color and morphology combination within a size fraction.

“Blank sample counts for each tissue (particles found in the blank samples are listed in Tables S3 and S4) were used to calculate a limit of detection (LOD) for each color and morphology combination within a size fraction (e.g., blue fragments in the >355-μm size fraction).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

At least one laboratory blank was run per every 10 samples and taken through the same full procedure as actual samples.

“At least one laboratory blank was run per every 10 samples, and each was taken through the same full procedure (either for GI tract or fillet) as actual samples from dissection onward to measure and account for any microplastic contamination from the laboratory processes (n=17).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

For particle groupings above the LOD, the mean blank count was subtracted from sample particle counts of the same classifications.

“For groupings of particle morphologies, colors, and sizes present in quantities above the LOD, the mean calculated for each of the same grouping of particles if found in the blanks was subtracted from sample particle counts of the same classifications.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The subsampling procedure was tested by quantifying and characterizing particles from seven pairs of subsamples from seven GI tract samples to assess covariance.

“To ensure that subsamples were representative, we quantified and characterized particles from subsamples created from seven GI tract samples using the same methods to test the covariance of the split samples.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

These studies suggest that microplastics may harm humans.

“These studies suggest that microplastics may harm humans.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Globally, more than 200 species of freshwater fish have been reported to ingest microplastics.

“Globally, >200 species of freshwater fish have been reported to ingest microplastics, but it is unclear how, once ingested, particles move into other fish tissues post-ingestion and if it is limited to certain types or sizes of particles.17,18”

• cites [17] 17. Collard F, Gasperi J, Gabrielsen GW, Tassin B. 2019. Plastic particle ingestion by wild freshwater fish: a critical review. Environ Sci Technol 53(22):12974–12988, PMID: 31664835, 10.1021/acs.est.9b03083. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [18] 18. Akhbarizadeh R, Moore F, Keshavarzi B. 2018. Investigating a probable relationship between microplastics and potentially toxic elements in fish muscles from northeast of Persian Gulf. Environ Pollut 232:154–163, PMID: 28943346, 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.09.028. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

QA/QC procedures to reduce contamination were followed, including triple-rinsing with RO water, working in a clean cabinet where possible, wearing a white cotton lab coat, keeping materials covered, and using a HEPA filter.

“Throughout all the processes, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures to reduce contamination were followed. Specifically, all materials were triple-rinsed with reverse osmosis (RO) water, work was done in a clean cabinet (enclosed space with reduced airflow to reduce potential contamination) where possible (i.e., when KOH was being added to samples), a white cotton lab coat was worn,”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

At present, microplastics are yet to be incorporated into any advisory framework.

“At present, microplastics are yet to be incorporated into any advisory framework.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In vivo studies in mammals have shown metabolic disorders at high exposure concentrations.

“and metabolic disorders (5-μm polystyrene microplastics at concentrations of 1.456×106 particles/L and 1.456×107 particles/L).31”

• cites [31] 31. Jin Y, Lu L, Tu W, Luo T, Fu Z. 2019. Impacts of polystyrene microplastic on the gut barrier, microbiota and metabolism of mice. Sci Total Environ 649:308–317, PMID: 30176444, 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.353. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Recovery of the extraction procedure was measured using six spike and recovery samples, three for each tissue, with known microplastic particles.

“To measure the recovery of our extraction procedure, six spike and recovery samples were created, processed, and analyzed following the same procedure used for each tissue (n=3 for each tissue).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Laboratory experiments using fish have found that microplastics can cause stress to the immune system.

“laboratory experiments using fish have found that microplastics can cause stress to the immune system,25”

• cites [25] 25. Greven AC, Merk T, Karagöz F, Mohr K, Klapper M, Jovanović B, et al. 2016. Polycarbonate and polystyrene nanoplastic particles act as stressors to the innate immune system of fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Environ Toxicol Chem 35(12):3093–3100, PMID: 27207313, 10.1002/etc.3501. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

It is unclear how, once ingested, microplastic particles move into other fish tissues post-ingestion and if it is limited to certain types or sizes of particles.

“but it is unclear how, once ingested, particles move into other fish tissues post-ingestion and if it is limited to certain types or sizes of particles.17,18”

• cites [17] 17. Collard F, Gasperi J, Gabrielsen GW, Tassin B. 2019. Plastic particle ingestion by wild freshwater fish: a critical review. Environ Sci Technol 53(22):12974–12988, PMID: 31664835, 10.1021/acs.est.9b03083. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [18] 18. Akhbarizadeh R, Moore F, Keshavarzi B. 2018. Investigating a probable relationship between microplastics and potentially toxic elements in fish muscles from northeast of Persian Gulf. Environ Pollut 232:154–163, PMID: 28943346, 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.09.028. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Studies have demonstrated relatively high levels of microplastics in the Toronto region of the Laurentian Great Lakes, likely as a result of discharges from tributaries that flow through areas of high urbanization and industrial activity, including several manufacturers of plastic items.

“Our study focuses on this region specifically because studies have demonstrated relatively high levels of microplastics in the Toronto region of the Laurentian Great Lakes,35 likely as a result of discharges from tributaries that flow through areas of high urbanization and industrial activity, including several manufacturers of plastic items36–38”

• cites [35] 35. Rochman CM, Grbic J, Earn A, Helm PA, Hasenmueller EA, Trice M, et al. 2022. Local monitoring should inform local solutions: morphological assemblages of microplastics are similar within a pathway, but relative total concentrations vary regionally. Environ Sci Technol 56(13):9367–9378, PMID: 35731673, 10.1021/acs.est.2c00926. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [36] 36. Yu JT, Helm PA, Diamond ML. 2024. Source-specific categorization of microplastics in nearshore surface waters of the Great Lakes. J Great Lakes Res 50(1):102256, 10.1016/j.jglr.2023.102256. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [37] 37. Ballent A, Corcoran PL, Madden O, Helm PA, Longstaffe FJ. 2016. Sources and sinks of microplastics in Canadian Lake Ontario nearshore, tributary and beach sediments. Mar Pollut Bull 110(1):383–395, PMID: 27342902, 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.037. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The total human burden of microplastics from all pathways remains unclear.

“However, the total human burden of microplastics from all pathways remains unclear.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Microplastic contamination in gut content is not a good predictor of contamination in other tissues and cannot be applied to better understand human exposure.

“Moreover, studies suggest that microplastic contamination in the gut content is not a good predictor of contamination in other tissues and cannot be applied to better understand human exposure.22”

• cites [22] 22. McIlwraith HK, Kim J, Helm P, Bhavsar SP, Metzger JS, Rochman CM. 2021. Evidence of microplastic translocation in wild-caught fish and implications for microplastic accumulation dynamics in food webs. Environ Sci Technol 55(18):12372–12382, PMID: 34499472, 10.1021/acs.est.1c02922. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Recoveries were similar across particle types.

“Furthermore, recoveries were similar across particle types.”

May combine two claims.

Following blank-correction, 33% of the total number of suspected microplastic particles (N=2,282) were considered outside the LOD and removed from the dataset, predominantly blue and gray fibers likely from airborne contamination.

“Following blank-correction, 33% of the total number of suspected microplastic particles (N=2,282) were considered outside of the LOD and were removed from the dataset (predominantly blue and gray fibers, likely resulting from airborne contamination during processing).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Currently, it is unclear what the effects of ingesting microplastics are for humans.

“Currently, it is unclear what the effects of ingesting microplastics are for humans, but given that recreationally caught freshwater fish are one pathway for human exposure, these data can be incorporated into future human health risk assessment frameworks for microplastics.”

May combine two claims.

Freshwater fish have a higher body burden of microplastics than marine fish, with a mean of 8.0 particles per freshwater fish compared with a mean of 2.7 in marine fish.

“freshwater fish have been observed to have a higher body burden of microplastics than marine fish (mean=8.0 particles per freshwater fish, compared with a mean of 2.7 in marine fish).16”

• cites [16] 16. Wootton N, Reis-Santos P, Gillanders BM. 2021. Microplastic in fish—a global synthesis. Rev Fish Biol Fish 31:753–771, 10.1007/s11160-021-09684-6. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The lack of increasing concentration of anthropogenic particles at higher trophic levels indicates no biomagnification, although only a narrow trophic range was examined.

“The lack of increasing concentration of anthropogenic particles at higher trophic levels indicates no biomagnification, although we looked at only a narrow trophic range (Figure S6).”

May combine two claims.

Laboratory studies testing effects of microplastics tend to use one polymer type or one size, and tend to use smaller particles than those we know we are exposed to.

“These studies are less environmentally relevant, in that they tend to use one polymer type or one size. They also tend to use smaller particles than those we know we are exposed to.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Growth dilution has been reported to occur in fish for other contaminants, including methylmercury.

“This effect has been reported to occur in fish for other contaminants, including methylmercury.77”

• cites [77] 77. Lohmann R. 2017. Microplastics are not important for the cycling and bioaccumulation of organic pollutants in the oceans—but should microplastics be considered POPs themselves? Integr Environ Assess Manag 13(3):460–465, PMID: 28440937, 10.1002/ieam.1914. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The number of particles found in the GI tract is not a predictor of the amount that translocates to the muscle tissue, suggesting that microplastics in the GI tract are transitory.

“suggests that the number of particles found in the GI tract is not a predictor of the amount that translocates to the muscle tissue—suggesting that microplastics in the GI tract are transitory.”

May combine two claims.

Laboratory studies have demonstrated microplastics can cause a variety of detrimental effects on fish, including negative effects on growth, changes in reproduction, and reduced survival.

“Laboratory studies have demonstrated microplastics can cause a variety of detrimental effects on fish, including negative effects on growth,74 changes in reproduction, and reduced survival.73”

• cites [74] 74. Lu X, Zhang JX, Zhang L, Wu D, Tian J, Yu LJ, et al. 2022. Comprehensive understanding the impacts of dietary exposure to polyethylene microplastics on genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): tracking from growth, microbiota, metabolism to gene expressions. Sci Total Environ 841:156571, PMID: 35688245, 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156571. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [73] 73. Tian Z, Zhao H, Peter KT, Gonzalez M, Wetzel J, Wu C, et al. 2021. A ubiquitous tire rubber–derived chemical induces acute mortality in coho salmon. Science 371(6525):185–189, PMID: 33273063, 10.1126/science.abd6951. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In the present study, we did not measure the retention of microplastics and anthropogenic particles within the GI tract or external tissues.

“In the present study, we did not measure the retention of microplastics and anthropogenic particles within the GI tract or external tissues.”

May combine two claims.

Larger fish may be less contaminated than smaller fish on a per mass basis, although larger fish have more anthropogenic particles on a per fish basis.

“As such, this indicates that larger fish may be less contaminated than smaller fish on a per mass basis (although larger fish have more anthropogenic particles on a per fish basis), a consideration relevant to exposure and risk in humans.”

May combine two claims.

Brown bullhead are demersal species, occupying the bottom of the lake, meaning that they may be exposed to higher quantities of particles than species occupying the water column.

“For instance, brown bullhead are demersal species, occupying the bottom of the lake, meaning that they may be exposed to higher quantities of particles than species occupying the water column.55”

• cites [55] 55. Froese R, Pauly D. 2024. FishBase. https://www.fishbase.org [accessed 15 April 2023].Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The differences in contamination between species may be due to differences in feeding strategy, habitat niche, ecology, or morphology.

“This may be due to differences in, for example, feeding strategy, habitat niche, ecology, or morphology.”

May combine two claims.

Our work shows prevalent translocation of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in wild-caught fish, demonstrating fish fillets as a pathway for human exposure.

“Our work shows prevalent translocation of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in wild-caught fish, demonstrating fish fillets as a pathway for human exposure.”

May combine two claims.

Recoveries for all spike and recovery samples were >70%, but there may have been differences in recovery among samples.

“Although the recoveries for all of the spike and recovery samples were >70%, there still may have been differences in the recovery among samples.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

All GI tract spike and recovery samples were taken through all subsequent procedures to account for heterogeneity of extraction methods.

“To try to account for this heterogeneity of extraction methods, all GI tract spike and recovery samples were taken through all the subsequent procedures (which not all the GI tract samples went through).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

A subset of laboratory blank samples were processed with additional processing steps to account for contamination acquired through these methods.

“In addition, a subset of laboratory blank samples were processed with these additional processing steps to account for any contamination acquired through these methods.”

May combine two claims.

Our work suggests that bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics do not occur in fish from the Humber Bay region.

“Our work also suggests that bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics do not occur in fish from the Humber Bay region, which is relevant to understanding the exposure landscape for fish.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The species used in this study occupy a narrow range of trophic positions.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The exposure observed here may be relevant to freshwater bodies adjacent to heavily urbanized regions and for future more in-depth studies.

“As such, the exposure we observed here may be relevant to freshwater bodies adjacent to heavily urbanized regions and for future more in-depth studies.”

May combine two claims.

The study had limited power to investigate bioaccumulation and used regressions only as an exploratory tool.

“In avoiding overanalysis of the data, we also had limited power to investigate bioaccumulation in this study based on the data and used regressions just as an exploratory tool to begin to understand if there was evidence for the occurrence of this effect.”

May combine two claims.

The different methods may have affected the accuracy of our results, although accounted for in recovery and blank-correction.

“Overall, although accounted for in our recovery and blank-correction, these different methods may have affected the accuracy of our results.”