Contaminants in fish and seafood from the marine environment: A global overview of current status and future perspective

The contamination of marine environments by chemical pollutants poses a significant threat to both ecosystem health and human food safety, affecting marine One Health by disrupting the interconnected well-being of organisms, ecosystems, and humans. A diverse array of contaminants including metals, persistent organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides, among others, can accumulate in fish and seafood, raising concerns over dietary exposure. While regulations like the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) establish limits for certain contaminants, many emerging pollutants remain unregulated, and their long-term impacts are poorly understood. This review compiles global data from 2018 to 2024 on the occurrence of both regulated and unregulated contaminants in fishery products across different FAO zones. It provides an overview of contamination levels in various species, regional trends, and potential human health risks. Our findings highlight the widespread presence of plastic additive chemicals (e.g., phthalates, bisphenols), legacy contaminants (e.g., PCBs, pesticides, mercury), and advancement in PFAS monitoring, though still underreported in several regions together with other emerging contaminants including personal care products and industrial chemicals. Arsenic frequently appeared at higher concentrations than other regulated metals. Contaminant profiles varied by tissue type and species group. These findings emphasize the need for harmonized environmental regulations and expanded monitoring efforts. Future research should focus on cumulative exposure risks, mixture toxicity assessments, and the development of standardized methodologies for broader range of contaminants. Strengthening these practices is critical to safeguarding marine biodiversity and ensuring seafood safety for global consumers.