Environ Geochem Health 2026 Jul 30;4811:. doi: 10.1007/s10653-026-03389-0.

Microplastic (MP) contamination in sea cucumbers (Class: Holothuroidea): a review of abundances, distribution, polymer characteristics, and human health implications.

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Plastic particles less than 5 mm, known as microplastics (MPs), are emerging as major contaminants in the marine environment. Microplastic (MP) pollution significantly impacts sea cucumbers (Class: Holothuroidea) due to their deposit-feeding activity, which involves ingesting organic contaminants and sediment. The distribution, abundance, morphological characteristics, and polymer composition of MPs in sea cucumbers are all extensively assessed in this review, which is based on a systematic review of 41 peer-reviewed studies evaluating patterns in MP contamination. Fibers (33%), fragments (27%), and films (14%) make up most of the MP particles found in these types of organisms. The most common sizes are between 100 and 500 µm, while the most common colours are blue (22%) and black (23%). Polyethylene (PE) (25%), polypropylene (PP) (17%), and polyester (PES) (14%) are the most frequent types of polymers. Geographical location, environmental pollution levels, and species-specific feeding habits all have a major impact on reported abundances. Consuming microplastic particles (MP) may lead to tissue damage, physiological stress, and contamination of the marine food web. Additionally, since sea cucumbers are important seafood commodities in several regions, the existence of MPs is about possible dietary exposure to humans. This study addresses the environmental effects of MP contamination in sea cucumbers and highlights the necessity of integrated environmental risk assessments, long-term monitoring programs, and standardized methodology.

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