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Microplastic Abundance and Characteristics in Digestive Tract of Fish Tongkol Euthynnus affinis from Coastal Area of Ampenan, Mataram
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Scientists checked tuna caught off the coast of Mataram, Indonesia and found tiny plastic bits (microplastics) in every fish's gut, averaging about 2 pieces per fish — mostly tiny black fibers, likely shed from things like synthetic clothing or fishing nets. Since tuna is a popular food fish, this suggests some of that plastic could end up on our plates too, though more research is needed to know exactly how much risk this poses to human health.
The rise in plastic usage in Indonesia has resulted in a buildup of plastic waste both on land and in water bodies. Because it does not break down easily due to the lack of microorganisms that can degrade it, plastic remains in the environment and pollutes various living beings. Thus, it is important to conduct studies on microplastic contamination to evaluate the safety of fish, which is a widely eaten source of food. This study aimed to determine the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in Ikan Tongkol (Euthynnus affinis) from the coastal waters of Ampenan Beach. Sampling was conducted using a random sampling method. Tuna samples were collected from fishermen along the Ampenan coast three times, totaling 30 fish. The analysis was conducted through sample preparation, oxidation of organic matter, filtration, and microscopic observation. The results showed that microplastics had accumulated in the digestive tract of the Euthynnus affinis, with an abundance of 2.3 MP/Ind. The most dominant type of microplastic found was fiber, accounting for 65% of the total sample, with black being the predominant color. Four types of microplastics were identified in the digestive tract: 65% fiber, 20% fragments, 10% film, and 5% granules.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic contamination in the Skipjack Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) collected from Southern Coast of Java, Indonesia
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Researchers examined the digestive tracts of skipjack tuna collected from the southern coast of Java, Indonesia, and found microplastics present in all sampled fish. The most common microplastics were fibers and fragments, primarily made of polyethylene and polypropylene. The findings raise concerns about microplastic contamination in commercially important fish species consumed by humans in the region.
Identifikasi Cemaran Mikroplastik pada Ikan Tongkol (Euthynnus affinis C.) dan Dencis (Sardinella lemuru) di TPI Lampulo, Banda Aceh
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This Indonesian study detected microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts of bullet tuna (Euthynnus affinis) caught in local waters. Microplastics were found in fish from all sampling locations, with fiber fragments being most abundant. The findings raise food safety concerns given that bullet tuna is a commercially important species consumed in Indonesia.
Toxic tuna tales: Tracing microplastic pathways in mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis), longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol), and bullet tuna (Auxis rochei)
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Researchers examined 125 tuna from three species in Malaysian waters and found microplastics in their digestive tracts, gills, and edible muscle tissue. Fibers were the most common type, and male fish accumulated more microplastics than females. Since tuna is one of the most widely consumed fish globally, the presence of microplastics in edible muscle tissue raises direct concerns about human exposure through seafood.
Kontaminasi Mikroplastik Pada Insang dan Usus Ikan Tongkol (Auxis thazard) yang Ditangkap di Perairan Teluk Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur
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Scientists found tiny plastic fibers—likely from clothing and fishing gear—in over 80% of frigate tuna caught off the coast of Indonesia, showing up in both the fish's gills (from breathing contaminated water) and gut (from eating contaminated food). Since this type of tuna is commonly eaten by people, these findings are an early warning sign that the microplastics polluting our oceans may also be making their way onto our dinner plates.
Distribution and Characterization of Microplastics in the Flesh and Digestive Tract of Skipjack Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) at the Ujong Baroh Fish Farming Center, West Aceh
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Researchers dissected skipjack tuna from a West Aceh fishing port and detected microplastics in both flesh and digestive tracts, with fibers averaging 73 particles per gram in muscle tissue; FTIR analysis identified polyamide (nylon) — sourced from fishing gear — as the dominant polymer, indicating contamination of fish consumed by local coastal communities.
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