We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of Microplastic Ingestion in Commercial Marine Fish From Cities of Sibu and Kuching, Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence, distribution and characteristics of microplastics in gastrointestinal tract and gills of commercial marine fish from Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined 158 commercial marine fish from 16 species in Malaysia and found microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts and gills of all species studied. Fibers were the most common microplastic type, and the contamination levels varied between sampling locations. The findings add to growing evidence that microplastics are widespread in commercially important fish species, raising questions about the potential for human exposure through seafood consumption.
Microplastic ingestion by commercial marine fish from the seawater of Northwest Peninsular Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic ingestion by four species of commercially important marine fish caught off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The study found microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of the fish, with fibers being the most common type, highlighting the prevalence of microplastic contamination in seafood from this region.
Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in commercial marine fish from Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in the digestive tracts of eight commercially important marine fish species caught in Malaysian waters, with prevalence and particle types varying by species and location. The study raises food safety concerns for Malaysian seafood consumers and highlights the widespread occurrence of microplastic ingestion in wild-caught fish from Southeast Asian seas.
First Evidence of Microplastic Ingestion by Riverine Fish From the Freshwater of Northwest Peninsular Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in the guts of multiple fish species from two rivers in northwest Malaysia, with some species averaging nearly 50 microplastic particles per gram of body weight. The dominant particles were fibers and fragments of polyethylene and polypropylene — findings that signal widespread contamination of freshwater food sources and raise concerns about human exposure through fish consumption.
Microplasticcontaminationincommercial marine fish: A case study in Johor, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined four species of commercially important marine fish from waters around Johor, Malaysia, and found microplastics present in the flesh of all species sampled. Fibers and fragments were the most common particle types, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the dominant polymers identified. The findings raise concerns about human dietary exposure to microplastics through commonly consumed fish in the region.
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.