Researchers from Portland State University discovered microplastics in six commonly eaten fish species off the coast of Oregon, including black rockfish and Chinook salmon. The study found 1,806 suspected particles in 180 out of 182 samples, with fibers making up 82 percent of the particles. Microplastics were found in the muscle tissue of the fish, raising concerns about the potential implications for other organisms, including humans.

Among the species tested, pink shrimp had the highest concentrations of microplastics in their flesh, likely due to their filter-feeding habits near the water's surface. The researchers warn that microplastics can contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by marine animals, causing gut damage, oxidative stress, and adverse immune responses. This study adds to the evidence of widespread microplastic contamination in marine species and highlights the urgent need for further research and action to address this environmental issue.