Review of microplastics and chemical risk posed by plastic packaging on the marine environment to inform the Global Plastics Treaty.

Plastic overproduction and the resulting increase in consumption has made plastic pollution ubiquitous in all ecosystems. Recognizing this, the United Nations (UN) has started negotiations to establish a global treaty to end plastic pollution, especially in the marine environment. The basis of the treaty has been formulated in terms of turning off the tap, signaling the will to prevent plastic pollution at its source. Based on the distribution of plastic production by sector, the plastic packaging sector consumes the most plastic. The volume and variety of chemicals used in plastic packaging, most of which is single-use, is a major concern. Single-use plastics including packaging is one of the most dominant sources of plastic pollution. Plastic waste causes pollution in water, air and soil by releasing harmful chemicals into the environment and can also lead to exposure through contamination of food with micro- and nano-plastic particles and chemicals through packaging. Marine life and humans alike face risks from plastic uptake through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. While the contribution of plastics ingested to chemical pollution is relatively minor in comparison to other pathways of exposure, the effect of plastic waste on marine life and human consumption of seafood is beyond question. To reduce the long-term impact of plastic, it is crucial to establish a global legally binding instrument to ensure the implementation of upstream rather than downstream solutions. This will help to mitigate the impact of both chemicals and microplastics, including from packaging, on the environment.

Assessment of Human Health Impacts from Invasive Pufferfish (Attacks, Poisonings and Fatalities) across the Eastern Mediterranean.

The silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin 1789), and to a lesser degree the orange spotted toadfish Torquigener hypselogeneion (Bleeker, 1852), pose threats to human health from physical attacks and poisonings in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This study reviewed human health-related impacts resulting from these pufferfish, compiling and assessing records from online sources, the peer-reviewed literature, medical records, personal interviews, and observations across the Eastern Mediterranean in the years 2004 to 2023. A total of 198 events impacting human health were documented: 28 records of physical attacks, at least 144 non-lethal poisoning episodes, and 27 human fatalities resulting from consumption. The majority of the reported incidences occurred in Syria, Türkiye, and Lebanon. Most physical attacks occurred in summer, while most poisoning events occurred during winter. The number of recorded incidents greatly increased after 2019, especially with regard to poisonings, yet whether this is related to greater media attention, or to increased fish abundance is unclear. This is the first comprehensive study to collate findings on attacks, poisonings and fatalities caused by these pufferfish in the Mediterranean Sea, and may help in improving national health policies. We urge the continuation of national campaigns to caution residents and tourists of these species' high toxicities and potential aggressiveness.

Metal levels of canned fish sold in Türkiye: health risk assessment.

This study analyzed 34 canned fish products, including 28 tuna specimens, 3 salmon specimens, 1 mackerel specimen, and 1 anchovy specimen, from 13 different brands purchased in Türkiye. The study aimed to determine metal/metalloid levels in canned fish and potential health risks for both children and adult consumers. The metal/metalloid levels in the samples were determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS), with the range of levels found as follows (mg/kg, ww): Fe (12.12-101.4), Cu (2.19-11.68), Zn (4.06-33.56), Se (0.24-10.74), Al (1.41-14.45), Cr (0.06-4.08), Pb (0.10-0.43), Cd (0.001-0.110), and As (0.01-0.13). Estimated weekly intake (EWI) levels were found that the consumption of canned fish products did not pose any risk based on the EWI levels and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) limits. However, three tuna samples had target hazard quotient (THQ) levels above the threshold (>1). Arsenic levels were found to increase the carcinogenic risk for child consumers if they heavily consumed 18 canned fish products, including 15 tuna, 2 salmon, and 1 mackerel. The maximum allowable consumption rates (CRmm) for each canned fish product were calculated monthly. Consequently, the consumption of canned fish by children can pose health risks.

Monthly Variation of Tetrodotoxin Levels in Pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) Caught from Antalya Bay, Mediterranean Sea.

The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), an invasive alien pufferfish species that has rapidly settled throughout the Mediterranean region, poses significant threats not only to native marine species and fisheries but also to public health due to the tetrodotoxin (TTX) they harbor. In this study, TTX concentrations in L. sceleratus from Antalya Bay in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea were investigated using Q-TOF-LC-MS on a monthly basis over a one-year period. Pufferfish were caught by angling from May 2018 to April 2019. The TTX levels in three different tissues (gonads, liver, and muscle) of 110 pufferfish in total were determined in both male and female individuals caught for 11 months. The highest TTX mean levels generally occurred in the gonads and the lowest in the muscle samples. As regards the maximum TTX contents, the highest concentrations determined were 68.2, 34.2, and 7.8 µg/g in the gonad, liver, and muscle tissues, respectively. The highest levels were generally observed in late autumn to winter (especially in November and December) in all tissues from both genders. Female individuals were generally found to be more toxic than male individuals. The TTX levels found confirm that the consumption of L. sceleratus from Antalya Bay remains dangerous throughout the year, and thus L. sceleratus constantly constitutes an important risk source for public health.

Formulation with sage tea-loaded fish oil-based microcapsules to delay oxidation.

Fish (Engraulis encrasicolus) oil was successfully microencapsulated using sage essential oils prepared in three different concentrations as 1% (S1), 2% (S2) and 3% (S3). The microencapsulated fish oil powders fabricated with spray drying were stored at room temperature (24 ± 1 °C) in order to determine the oxidative deterioration for 12 weeks. The highest microencapsulation efficiency was observed in the S3 (60.17%) as compared with other groups. Although the changes in free fatty acid (FFA) values were defined between 6.04 and 9.29% at the end of the storage period, the lowest FFA value was found in S2 samples (p < 0.05). Among the microencapsulated samples, the highest peroxide value (PV) was measured as 20.24 meq O2/kg for S1 at the 11th week of the experimental period. Moreover, statistical differences between the control (25.93 meq O2/kg) and S1 samples were observed (p < 0.05). The rapid increase in the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value of fish powders was delayed by microencapsulation technique fabricated with spray drying. The use of sage essential oils within this combination effectively retarded the oxidation in fish oil powders at ambient storage, indicating cost-effective for the food industry. Therefore, encapsulation of fish oils with sage oil using the spray drying technique has improved oxidation stability of fish oil and can be used for food applications.

Microplastic contamination in canned fish sold in Türkiye.

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in processed seafood is a growing concern. In this study, 33 different canned fish brands belonging to seven producers were purchased from the Turkish market and investigated. MPs composition, possible sources, and potential intake were assessed. Light microscopy was used to quantify potential MPs, and micro-Raman microscopy was used to identify the polymer types. The results showed that all the samples had at least one MPs particle, and fragments were the most abundant (57.3%) shape of MPs. Polyolefin (21.88%) was the most common polymer type. The results showed that packaging and the production processes are the main possible sources of MPs. Human intake estimation risk is relatively lower since canned fish consumption is relatively low. The findings suggest that the risk related to MPs in canned fish should be considered one of the components of food safety management systems.

An Updated Review of Tetrodotoxin and Its Peculiarities.

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a crystalline, weakly basic, colorless organic substance and is one of the most potent marine toxins known. Although TTX was first isolated from pufferfish, it has been found in numerous other marine organisms and a few terrestrial species. Moreover, tetrodotoxication is still an important health problem today, as TTX has no known antidote. TTX poisonings were most commonly reported from Japan, Thailand, and China, but today the risk of TTX poisoning is spreading around the world. Recent studies have shown that TTX-containing fish are being found in other regions of the Pacific and in the Indian Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. This review aims to summarize pertinent information available to date on the structure, origin, distribution, mechanism of action of TTX and analytical methods used for the detection of TTX, as well as on TTX-containing organisms, symptoms of TTX poisoning, and incidence worldwide.

Effects of citrus essential oils on the oxidative stability of microencapsulated fish oil by spray-drying.

The effects of citrus essential oils (orange, lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit) on the oxidative stability of microencapsulated fish oil by spray-drying were evaluated. The encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules was in the range of 42.25 and 62.43%. Twelve active substances were determined as major volatile components of citrus essential oils. The highest phenolic content was obtained from grapefruit essential oil (44.32 mg GAE/g). Lower values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) were obtained for microencapsulated fish oils with essential oils compared to control. At the end of storage, the highest peroxide value (PV) was observed in the control group (25.30 meq O2/kg oil) while the lowest value was in the lemon (13.40 meq O2/kg oil) and orange group (13.91 meq O2/kg oil). The results of this study showed that citrus essential oils can be used to improve the oxidative stability of fish oil microcapsules.

Metal and fatty acid levels of some commercially important marine species from the northeastern Mediterranean: benefits and health risk estimation.

Metal and fatty acid levels of some commercially important fish and crustacean species of economic value in the northeastern Mediterranean (Mersin Bay) were investigated. In addition, to predict possible risks regarding consumer health that may arise from the consumption of these species, risk estimates were calculated for adults and children considering consumption frequencies of one, three and seven times a week. The estimated weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), lifetime cancer risk (CR) and benefit/risk ratio associated with their consumption were calculated. EWI values were found to be lower than the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values determined by the European Food Safety Authority and FAO/WHO. For most samples examined, THQ was < 1. The benefit/risk ratios for all samples were calculated to be less than threshold. For the fish species examined, CR for consumers was identified to be low, except for heavy consumption cases.

The function of nanoemulsion on preservation of rainbow trout fillet.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of nanoemulsions prepared with various concentrations of olive oil on the sensory, chemical and microbiological quality of rainbow trout fillets. The results showed that the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets were determined as 10 days for the control, 12 days for tween 80 group, 14 days for the 15% olive oil nanoemulsion group (O15) and 16 days for both 30% (O30) and 45% olive oil nanoemulsion groups (O45). It was determined that the use of olive oil suppressed the fish smell and improved the organoleptic quality of fish fillets, extending shelf life. Best sensory results were obtained from O30 and O45 treatment groups. The use of nanoemulsion had a positive effect on the biochemical parameters (TVB-N, PV, FFA, TBARs and pH), as well as inhibiting bacterial growth compared to the control group. Among nanoemulsion groups, the lowest bacteria content was found in O45 group. As a result, O30 and O45 treatment groups can be recommended for the preservation of fish fillets.

Elemental composition of pufferfish species from Northeastern Mediterranean Sea.

This study aimed at comparing the elemental levels of muscle and liver tissues of four pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus, Lagocephalus spadiceus, Lagocephalus suezensis, and Torquigener flavimaculosus), which are common in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea (Mersin Bay), in terms of sex and seasonal variables. Na, Mg, P, K, and Ca levels in the muscle tissues of pufferfish range from 1848.4 to 16495.7, 824.4 to 2684.5, 6936.2 to 20486.6, 13019.3 to 36165.5, and 276.4 to 5566.5 µg g-1, respectively. Na, Mg, P, K, and Ca levels in the liver tissues of pufferfish range from 531.8 to 6136.1, 63.8 to 899.1, 773.1 to 6677.5, 1151.4 to 10165.4, and 47.4 to 1607.7 µg g-1, respectively. The levels of macroelements in the muscle and liver tissues can be represented as K > P ≥ Na > Ca ≥ Mg and K ≥ P ≥ Na > Ca ≥ Mg, respectively. Pufferfish muscle tissue has more abundant macroelement levels than liver tissue. Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in pufferfish muscle tissues range from 21.53 to 219.42, 0.73 to 6.54, and 25.38 to 100.47 µg g-1, respectively. Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in pufferfish liver tissues range from 157.8 to 1368.6, 0.86 to 11.23, and 23.17 to 507.75 µg g-1, respectively. Levels of trace elements in the muscle and liver tissues can be represented as Zn ≥ Fe > Cu and Fe ≥ Zn > Cu, respectively. The pufferfish liver tissue is richer than muscle tissue in terms of trace element levels. Cd, Pb, As, and Cr levels in pufferfish muscle tissues range from 0.66 to 6.30, 2.17 to 20.76, 41.90 to 258.37, and 0.34 to 3.70 µg g-1, respectively. Cd, Pb, As, and Cr levels in the liver tissues of pufferfish range from 0.22 to 2.34, 0.17 to 2.27, 9.35 to 61.93, and 0.14 to 2.10 µg g-1, respectively. Levels of metal in the muscle and liver tissues can be represented as As > Pb > Cd ≥ Cr and As > Cd ≥ Pb ≥ Cr, respectively. Pufferfish muscle tissue has a higher association with liver tissue due to metal level accumulation. All pufferfish are contaminated by Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Fe, and Zn metals.

Combined impacts of oregano extract and vacuum packaging on the quality changes of frigate tuna muscles stored at 3±1°C.

AIM: The combined effects of oregano extract with vacuum packing (VP) on the quality enhancement of dark and white muscles of frigate tuna (Auxis thazard) stored as intact fillet at refrigerated (3±1°C) conditions were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 35 kg of fish were filleted without skin removal and randomly divided into two groups. One group without treatment (control) and the remaining group were dipped in a sterilized oregano extract solution for 5 min. Chemical, microbiological, sensorial, and textural analyses were carried out in each of dark and white muscles of frigate tuna fillets during storage. RESULTS: Several quality indexes were higher in dark muscle than white muscle. The sensory assessment indicated that both muscles from control had a shelf life of 12 days. Quality parameters of both muscles had the same tendency and were significantly affected by time and also by the presence of plant extract in VP. Although VP alone was sufficient to delay lipid oxidation on fish fillets, especially on dark muscle but cannot enhance the textural deterioration in both muscles. CONCLUSION: Consequently, the employment of such combination had a cumulative effect on preservation, resulting in prolonging the shelf life of both frigate tuna muscles.

Tetrodotoxin levels of three pufferfish species (Lagocephalus sp.) caught in the North-Eastern Mediterranean sea.

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) levels in Lagocephalus sceleratus (Silverstripe blaasop), Lagocephalus spadiceus (Half-smooth golden pufferfish) and Lagocephalus suezensis (Suez puffer) caught in Mersin Bay in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea were analysed using Q-TOF LC/MS. Pufferfish were caught using trawl fishing, longlining and fishing line from December 2015 to October 2016. The TTX changes in the gonads, livers, intestines, skins and muscle tissues were evaluated according to sex and season. TTX levels for L. sceleratus and L. suezensis for all tissues were in the range of 0.69-35.6 µg/g and 0.67-3.09 µg/g, respectively. The highest TTX levels were observed in the gonads of female L. sceleratus caught in the autumn, and in the skin of L. suezensis caught in the spring but no quantifiable levels of TTX were found for L. spadiceus. In conclusion, L. sceleratus and L. suezensis species caught in the North-Eastern Mediterranean are toxic, and their consumption is unsafe.

First report on TTX levels of the yellow spotted pufferfish (Torquigener flavimaculosus) in the Mediterranean Sea.

The differences of tetrodotoxin (TTX) levels in various parts of pufferfish (Torquigener flavimaculosus) were examined in conjunction with the seasonal and sexual variations. The TTX levels in gonads, liver, intestines, skin and muscle tissue were determined using the Q-TOF LC/MS. Instrumental analysis revealed that all examined tissues from T. flavimaculosus contained high TTX concentrations. TTX levels in the gonads, liver, intestines, skin and muscle tissue of pufferfish were within the range of 5.03-100.71, 7.04-106.80, 12.59-86.30, 33.95-139.88 and 15.88-86.07 (µg/g), respectively. It was determined that in all seasons, except for summer, female individuals had higher TTX levels than males. Among all seasons, the highest level of TTX was found in winter and the lowest in autumn. Consequently, T. flavimaculosus is a highly toxic pufferfish that is dangerous for human consumption and should not be consumed under any circumstances.

Tetrodotoxin levels in pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) caught in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea.

The toxicity of tetrodotoxin (TTX) in pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) from Mersin Bay in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea was measured using a mouse bioassay (MBA) and LC-MS-MS. Pufferfish were caught by trawl fishing, longlining and fishing line from December 2012 to October 2013. Changes in the levels of TTX in the gonads, livers, intestines, skins and muscles as a function of season and sex were determined. The gonads of female fish were toxic in all seasons (>2µg/g), whereas the gonads of male fish were only toxic in the spring and autumn. The highest TTX levels in gonads, livers, intestines and skins of female fish were 52.1, 46.2, 7.64 and 3.43µg/g, respectively, using LC-MS-MS. The TTX level in the muscle of female fish in winter was 2.83µg/g but was otherwise below the toxic limit. Consequently, it can be dangerous to consume pufferfish, including the edible muscle, from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.