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Occurrence and characterization of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of commercial fish and crustacean species from Kochi, India
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Researchers found over 2,200 tiny plastic particles in the guts of fish and shellfish commonly eaten in the Kochi region of India, with most particles being extremely small (less than 100 micrometers, thinner than a human hair). Some species, like the pearl spot fish, had much higher plastic levels than others, suggesting that what you eat may affect your plastic exposure. While this study doesn't prove harm to humans yet, it adds to growing evidence that plastic pollution is entering our seafood, making it a health concern worth watching as scientists learn more.
Microplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems has emerged as a major environmental concern due to its potential impact on marine organisms and human health. The present study investigates the abundance, characteristics, and polymer composition of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of six commercially important fish and crustacean species collected from the Kochi region, India. A total of 30 specimens representing Macrobrachium idella, Portunus pelagicus, Chrysochir aureus, Etroplus maculatus, Parambassis dayi, and Glossogobius giuris were analysed. Microplastics were extracted using alkaline digestion followed by density separation and vacuum filtration. Identification and characterization were performed using microscopic analysis and Raman spectroscopy. A total of 2201 microplastic particles were detected across all samples, indicating widespread contamination. Among the species studied, Etroplus maculatus exhibited the highest microplastic abundance, while Glossogobius giuris showed the lowest. The majority of particles belonged to the size range of 0-100 µm, indicating a dominance of smaller fragments. The findings highlight the significant presence of microplastics in commercially consumed aquatic species, raising concerns regarding trophic transfer and potential human exposure. This study provides preliminary region-specific information on microplastic contamination in commercially important fish and crustacean species from Kochi, India. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and expanded geographic coverage are required to better understand contamination patterns and associated ecological risks.
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