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Assessment of Microplastic Ingestion in Commercial Marine Fish From Cities of Sibu and Kuching, Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia
Summary
Researchers checked 22 types of commercial fish sold in markets in Sarawak, Malaysia, and found tiny plastic particles (mostly plastic fibers) in the guts of every species tested, with over 6,000 particles counted total. Since these fish are commonly eaten, this suggests people who eat them may also be consuming small amounts of plastic, though this study didn't test how much of that plastic ends up in the parts we actually eat or what health effects it might cause. The findings highlight the need for more monitoring of plastic pollution in seafood to better understand potential risks to human health.
ABSTRACT Microplastic (MP) pollution is an ever‐growing issue in the marine ecosystem around the world. However, the study on MP pollution in marine fish remains limited, particularly those conducted in Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia. Hence, this study investigated the occurrence of MP on the marine fish, collected from local fish market in the city of Sibu and Kuching, Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia. The MP samples were examined from 5 g of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) across 22 species of fish. The samples were extracted by digesting (KOH solution), followed by density separation (NaCl solution) and filtration. Then, the samples were identified and characterized under stereomicroscope and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). As the result, an estimated of 6107 particles of MP were found on GIT from all species. The highest abundance was found in Pacific Sardine ( Sardinops Sagax ) with 383.24 particles, while the lowest abundance was found in Japanese Sea Bass ( Lateolabrax Japonicus ) with 181.22 particles. The most dominant shape was fiber with 61.46%, the dominant size of MP was less than 1000 µm with 87%, and the blue was the most prevalent color, with a proportion of 65.83%. The FTIR analysis detected polyester (PES) and polyamide (PA) in the sample. This study investigates the occurrence of MP ingestion in commercial marine fish and indicates the potential for human exposure to contaminated fish. Moreover, this study provides additional data references, to support long‐term monitoring program, as well as the development and implementation of standardized sampling and analytical protocols for local policymakers and stakeholders, which could help improve the understanding of MP pollution and protect marine ecosystem in the cities of Sibu and Kuching, Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia.