We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic Pollution and Its Physiological Effects on the Top Fish Predator Dentex dentex from the Western Mediterranean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined common dentex fish from coastal waters near Ibiza and found microplastics in over 90% of specimens, averaging about 6.6 particles per individual. Fish with higher microplastic loads showed increased detoxification and antioxidant enzyme activity in their digestive tracts compared to fish with lower loads. The findings indicate that microplastic ingestion triggers localized physiological stress responses in this commercially important Mediterranean predator.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing environmental concern, particularly in marine ecosystems. This study investigated the presence and effects of MPs in the common dentex (Dentex dentex), a commercially and ecologically important species in the Mediterranean Sea. Fish (n = 22) were collected from Ibiza’s coastal waters (western Mediterranean, Spain), and their gastrointestinal tracts were analysed to determine MP ingestion rates and potential physiological impacts. MPs were detected in 90.9% of the specimens, with an average of 6.6 ± 1.2 MPs per individual. Fibres accounted for 78.9% and fragments for 21.1%. Stress and detoxification biomarkers were assessed by categorizing fish into two groups based on MP load: low (<6 MPs) and high (≥6 MPs). Fish with higher MP loads showed significantly increased detoxification and antioxidant enzyme activities in the digestive tract, while malondialdehyde levels remained similar between groups. No significant differences were observed in liver biomarkers. These findings indicate that MP ingestion triggers physiological responses in D. dentex, activating antioxidant and detoxification defences in the digestive tract. However, the lack of response in the liver suggests that the MP load is not sufficient to induce systemic changes. Further research is needed to assess long-term consequences on fish health and ecosystem sustainability.
More Papers Like This
Physiological Responses to Microplastic Ingestion in the Peacock Wrasse Symphodus tinca from Ibiza, Spain
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic occurrence and physiological stress responses in peacock wrasse (Symphodus tinca) from the Balearic Islands, finding MPs in 60.7% of fish sampled with 58 total items. Fish with microplastics showed elevated markers of oxidative stress and detoxification enzyme activity compared to those without.
Induction of detoxification systems in wild red mullet Mullus surmuletus after microplastic ingestion
AI summary Read the abstract
Wild red mullet caught near Mallorca were found to have ingested microplastics in 28% of sampled fish, and those fish showed activation of liver detoxification systems compared to fish without plastic in their stomachs. This is among the first evidence that wild fish experience physiological responses to microplastic ingestion, though no oxidative damage was detected.
Presence and Potential Effect of Microplastics Associated with Anthropic Activity in Two Benthic Fishes Serranus scriba and Lithognathus mormyrus
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic ingestion and oxidative stress responses in two Mediterranean coastal fish species (Serranus scriba and Lithognathus mormyrus) from sites with different levels of human activity near Mallorca, finding higher microplastic loads and greater antioxidant enzyme activity at the more impacted site.
Microplastic presence in the pelagic fish, Seriola dumerili, from Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean), and assessment of oxidative stress and detoxification biomarkers in liver
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in greater amberjack fish from the Balearic Islands in the Western Mediterranean, finding microplastics present in the gastrointestinal tracts of the fish. The study also assessed oxidative stress and detoxification biomarkers in the fish livers, contributing to understanding the potential biological effects of microplastic ingestion in wild pelagic fish.
Physiological Stress Responses Associated with Microplastic Ingestion in the Benthic Flatfish Bothus podas
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of 87.5% of wide-eyed flounder collected near Mallorca, Spain, with an average of nearly four particles per fish. The most common microplastics were fibers made of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. Fish with higher microplastic loads showed signs of oxidative stress and immune responses in their intestinal and liver tissues, suggesting that ingesting microplastics may affect fish health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.