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Microplastic and nanoplastic accumulation in fish from Luzhou range of the upper Yangtze River: Trophic level and living water layer as key drivers
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Researchers analyzed microplastic and nanoplastic accumulation in 41 fish species from the upper Yangtze River using advanced imaging and mass spectrometry. The study found that microplastic abundance in fish intestines positively correlated with trophic level, with bottom-dwelling species containing significantly more particles, and confirmed the presence of nanoplastics including PA66 and PVC within fish body tissues.
Microplastics (< 5 mm) and nanoplastics (< 1 μm) are concerning aquatic pollutants due to their small size and persistence, readily accumulating in fish and potentially impairing physiology. Understanding their uptake is crucial for assessing ecological risks in the upper Yangtze River. This study detected microplastics in water, sediments, and intestinal contents of 41 fish species from the Luzhou range using laser direct infrared (LDIR) imaging, and quantified nanoplastics in five species via pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). Fluororubber (FKM) was the dominant polymer in fish (31.30 %). Microplastic abundance in intestinal contents ranged widely from 7.17 items/g (Xenocypris davidi) to 606.67 items/g (Silurus asotus). Abundance positively correlated with fish trophic level (Pearson's r = 0.35, p < 0.05) and was significantly higher in benthic versus pelagic fish. The potential hazard index (PHI) for microplastics in intestines ranged from 4.14 (Ancherythroculter wangi) to 6172.05 (Silurus asotus), indicating risk levels I to IV. Nanoplastics (PA66 and PVC) were quantified within fish bodies. This proves fish accumulate nanoplastics and highlights significant environmental and health concerns. The study enhances understanding of freshwater plastic pollution and aids fish protection in the upper Yangtze.
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Scientists studying a major Chinese river found tiny plastic particles (microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics) inside the guts of 31 different fish species, with smaller fish carrying higher concentrations than larger ones. Since these fish are part of the food chain — and sometimes end up on our plates — this pollution matters because it shows how widespread and hard to avoid plastic contamination has become in the water systems that supply our food. While this study didn't directly test human health effects, it adds to growing evidence that plastics are working their way into the animals we eat.
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