경제동물의 미세플라스틱 오염이 생리 기능과 축산물 안전성에 미치는 영향에대한 최신 연구 동향

초록

The extensive use of plastics in modern livestock production systems has accelerated microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems, posing a significant environmental threat to the physiological functions, productivity, and food safety of economically important animals such as cattle, pigs, and poultry. This review aims to comprehensively examine the toxicological effects of microplastic exposure on livestock and the associated risks of their transfer into animal-derived food products. Available evidence indicates that livestock are continuously exposed to microplastics through multiple pathways, including contaminated feed materials, drinking water systems, and airborne particles within housing environments. Once internalized, these particles can cross the gastrointestinal barrier and accumulate in major organs. Such accumulation induces oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, ultimately impairing immune function and reproductive performance. Microplastics can also be transferred to edible tissues as well as animal-derived products such as milk and eggs, while secondary contamination during slaughtering and processing further increases human exposure risks. However, current studies are largely limited to high-dose exposure to single polymers under controlled laboratory conditions, which do not adequately reflect chronic and complex exposure scenarios in real farming environments. In addition, standardized analytical methods for detecting ultrafine particles remain insufficient. Therefore, future research should focus on environmentally relevant exposure models and the development of advanced analytical techniques. This review highlights the need for an integrated risk assessment and management framework linking livestock, food systems, and human health from a One Health perspective.

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