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Biological Stress Responses of Organisms to Microplastic Pollution in the Bulgarian Part of the Black Sea
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (mostly under 50 micrometers—smaller than a grain of sand) inside fish and shellfish from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, and these particles were linked to higher levels of cellular stress in the animals. Since we eat many of these same seafood species, this research is a reminder that the microplastics building up in ocean life could eventually make their way onto our plates, even though this study didn't directly test effects on humans.
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pervasive environmental challenges, with microplastics (MPs) widely distributed across marine ecosystems worldwide. This study aimed to assess the uptake of MPs by key fish and invertebrate species from different locations in the coastal zone of the Bulgarian Black Sea. Fish were collected during routine monitoring surveys in September–November 2024, while invertebrates were obtained via scuba diving. The presence of MPs in fish stomachs and invertebrate soft tissues, and their polymer composition, shape and size were analyzed using an Agilent 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System. Potential biological effects of ingested MPs were evaluated by an integrated Specific Oxidative Stress (SOS) index. The results revealed MP uptake levels comparable to those reported globally. Small-sized particles (<50 µm) with rounded shapes were most abundant across studied taxa. Polymer composition varied considerably depending on species and sampling region, indicating differences in exposure sources and environmental conditions. Oxidative stress levels in both fish and invertebrates showed substantial interspecific variation, and clear differences between the northern and southern region of the Bulgarian Black Sea. Overall, elevated uptake of MPs appears to contribute to oxidative stress in marine organisms, potentially affecting their health status, resilience, and adaptive capacity, as reflected by increased SOS index values.
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Distribution and Uptake of Microplastics in Key Species of the Bulgarian Black Sea Ecosystem and Their Effects from a Stress Ecology Viewpoint
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Microplastic accumulation and associated oxidative stress responses were measured in six invertebrate and three fish species from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, finding species-specific bioaccumulation patterns and elevated antioxidant enzyme activity in contaminated organisms.
Microplastic Bioaccumulation and Oxidative Stress in Key Species of the Bulgarian Black Sea: Ecosystem Risk Early Warning
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Researchers investigated microplastic accumulation and oxidative stress in invertebrate and fish species from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. They found species-specific patterns of microplastic bioaccumulation, with the highest concentrations in certain shrimp and fish species, and a significant correlation between microplastic levels and catalase enzyme activity. The findings serve as an early warning of ecosystem-level risks from microplastic pollution in the Black Sea.
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Scientists found microplastic particles, mostly common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, in the stomachs, intestines, and gills of five popular fish species from the Black Sea, including anchovy and red mullet. Since these are fish people regularly eat, the findings raise concerns about how much plastic pollution may be making its way into our food and bodies.
The assessment of the bioaccumulation of microplastics in key fish species from the Bulgarian aquatory of the Black Sea
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Researchers examined five commercially important fish species from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and found microplastics in all tissue types studied. The most common particles were polyethylene and PET pellets, with sizes ranging down to 25 micrometers, indicating widespread plastic pollution in this region that could affect both fish populations and the humans who eat them.
The Assessment of the Bioaccumulation of Microplastics in Key Fish Species from the Bulgarian Aquatory of the Black Sea
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Researchers found microplastics in the soft tissues of five commercially important Black Sea fish species collected off the Bulgarian coast, with polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate as the dominant polymer types. Pellets were the most common particle shape, found across all specimens regardless of species. The results indicate significant microplastic contamination in a major regional seafood source, raising concerns about the potential for plastics to move up the food chain and reach people who consume these fish.
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