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Microplastics in freshwater aquaculture: Evidence of sediment–fish transfer and associated ecological risks in Bangladesh
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Researchers studied microplastics in pond sediment and farmed fish from 25 aquaculture ponds in Bangladesh. Most ponds showed moderate to high pollution, and fish, especially bottom-dwelling species like Catla catla and Pangasius pangasius, had ingested plastic particles, with some species showing signs of plastic buildup through the food chain.
Microplastics (MPs) in aquaculture systems in Bangladesh threaten ecosystem health and food safety. This study examined MPs in surface sediments and farmed fish from 25 aquaculture ponds in Trishal Upazila, Mymensingh. Most sites were moderately to highly polluted, with a pollution load index (PLI) ranging from 1.0 to 4.5, while mean sediment MPs concentrations were 11.04 ± 3.75 particles kg-1. For fish, a total of 90 MPs were detected, with a mean abundance of 0.60 ± 1.16 MPs fish-1. Demersal fish (52%) demonstrated the greatest ingestion rates, followed by benthopelagic (35%) and pelagic species (13%). The major polymers detected were PE and PP, showing ubiquitous plastic origins in aquaculture and household activities. Frequency of occurrence (FO%) ranging from 16% to 40% revealed uneven fish species MPs ingestion rate. Fulton's condition factor (K: 0.35-2.27) varied among species, with lower values observed in Catla catla and Pangasius pangasius, which also showed relatively higher MPs ingestion. Higher bioconcentration (BCF) values in Cirrhinus cirrhosus, Cyprinus carpio and Pangasius pangasius indicating MPs magnification through the food chain. Overall, the widespread ingestion of MP by cultured fish highlights their potential ecological impacts within Bangladesh's aquaculture systems and underscores the urgent need for targeted monitoring and sustainable management strategies to mitigate MP contamination.
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Microplastics in fish culture ponds: abundance, characterization, and contamination risk assessment
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Researchers surveyed five types of fish farming ponds in Bangladesh and found microplastics in all sediment and water samples, with higher contamination near industrial areas. The most common microplastics were small fragments and fibers made of polyethylene and polypropylene, likely originating from packaging waste and fishing gear. The findings raise concerns about microplastic contamination in farmed fish that are destined for human consumption.
Integrated analysis of microplastics origins and impact on prominent aquaculture ecosystems in Bangladesh
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in aquaculture ponds in Bangladesh, finding widespread particles in both the water and farmed fish including tilapia and pangas. Fibers were the most common type, likely from textile and fishing net waste, and the contamination levels posed potential health risks to consumers. Since farmed fish is a major protein source in Bangladesh and many developing countries, these findings highlight a direct pathway for microplastics to reach people through their diet.
Ecological risk profiling of microplastic load in commercial aquaculture of Bangladesh: A multi-approach analysis across species-specific ponds
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination across five types of commercial fish ponds in Bangladesh, finding an average of about 520 particles per cubic meter of water. Pangas ponds had the highest contamination levels, and polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common plastic types. The study raises concerns about ecological risks to farmed fish in one of the world's leading aquaculture nations.
Microplastics in freshwater wild and farmed fish species of Bangladesh
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Researchers evaluated microplastic contamination in freshwater wild and farmed fish species across multiple rivers and farms in Bangladesh, comparing contamination levels between wild-caught and aquaculture-raised fish of the same species.
Microplastics in aquaculture ponds of Bangladesh: Source attribution, pollution load, and ecological risk assessment
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A survey of aquaculture ponds in Bangladesh's Jashore district found significant microplastic contamination in both surface water and sediments, with fibers and fragments being the dominant forms and polyethylene the most common polymer. The study identifies aquaculture ponds as underappreciated microplastic sinks that may pose risks to farmed fish and ultimately to people who eat them. Given Bangladesh's heavy reliance on pond aquaculture for food security, the findings raise important concerns about the safety of locally farmed seafood.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.