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Microplastic contamination in wild freshwater fish: Global trends, challenges and perspectives
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This global review analyzed 144 studies on microplastic contamination in wild freshwater fish across 45 countries and found that 450 fish species were contaminated, including 35 species on the conservation Red List. Microplastics were most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, with fibers and fragments being the dominant shapes. The evidence indicates that freshwater fish worldwide are widely exposed to microplastic pollution, with potential implications for both aquatic ecosystems and human seafood consumption.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of global concern with potential risks to wildlife and human health. This study reviewed the literature on MP contamination in wild freshwater fish, analyzing 144 articles published since 2016. Studies were conducted in 45 countries, mainly by China (8.97 %), Bangladesh and India (8.28 % each), and Indonesia (6.90 %). Cypriniformes were the most studied order (52.08 %), with rivers being the predominant sampling sites (57.64 %). Omnivorous fish (80.55 %) were the most studied, and MPs were found in the gastrointestinal tract (51.10 %), gills (19.38 %), and muscle (10.57 %). A total of 450 fish species were found to be contaminated by MPs, including 35 listed on the IUCN Red List: 2 critically endangered, 8 endangered, 12 vulnerable, and 13 near threatened. Although the representativeness of the data may be compromised by selective sampling, polymers such as PE and PP predominated, typically in the form of blue fibers ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mm, indicating recurring contamination patterns in freshwater environments. Significant research gaps remain, including the need for standardized methods, broader inclusion of Neotropical fish species, investigation of biological responses, and studies on trophic transfer and biomagnification.
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A global synthesis of microplastic contamination in wild fish species: Challenges for conservation, implications for sustainability of wild fish stocks and future directions
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Researchers conducted a global synthesis analyzing 260 field studies covering over 1,000 fish species and found that microplastics have been recorded in 830 wild fish species, including 606 species important to commercial fisheries. Among the affected species, 34 are classified as globally threatened on the IUCN Red List. The study highlights that microplastic contamination is widespread across wild fish populations, with implications for both conservation and food safety.
Microplasts in Freshwater Fish – Problems and Challenges
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This review examines microplastic contamination of freshwater fish, covering ingestion evidence from over 150 species, the mechanisms of accumulation in gastrointestinal and other tissues, potential health impacts, and challenges in standardizing quantification methodologies.
Global Review and Analysis of the Presence of Microplastics in Fish
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This global review and meta-analysis compiled data on microplastic occurrence in fish from studies across dozens of countries, finding microplastics in fish from virtually all sampled regions with higher concentrations in coastal and urban-influenced waters. The analysis identified fibers and fragments as the most common forms, and raised concerns about human dietary exposure through fish consumption.
Worldwide contamination of fish with microplastics: A brief global overview
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A literature review from March 2019 to March 2020 synthesized worldwide data on microplastic contamination in fish, finding that a median of 60% of fish from 198 species across 24 countries contained microplastics in their organs. Carnivorous species ingested more microplastics than herbivores, consistent with trophic transfer and bioaccumulation through food webs.
Global meta‐analysis reveals diverse effects of microplastics on freshwater and marine fishes
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This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the effects of microplastics on fish in both freshwater and ocean environments. The findings show that microplastics reduce feeding, impair digestion, slow growth, and weaken immune function in fish, which is concerning because contaminated fish are a major food source for people worldwide.
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