We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic occurrence in 21 coastal marine fish species from fishing communities on Viti Levu, Fiji
Summary
Researchers analyzed microplastic ingestion in 184 fish from 21 species across three coastal communities in Fiji and found microplastics in 74% of fish examined. Fibers were the most common particle type at 66%, with polyethylene and polypropylene the dominant polymers. This dataset, the largest of its kind for Fiji, establishes a critical baseline for monitoring plastic pollution in the region's coastal fishing grounds.
Microplastic contamination in fish is a growing concern in Fiji's marine ecosystems, yet comprehensive data across diverse species and fishing grounds remain scarce. This study analyses microplastic ingestion in 184 fish from 21 species across three Viti Levu communities (Galoa, Silana, Yadua). Microplastics were found in 74 % of fish, with 399 particles identified: fibers (66 %), fragments (20 %), and films (14 %). Dominant polymers included polyethylene (20 %), polypropylene (19 %), polyethylene terephthalate (18 %), nylon (16 %), and nitrile (8 %). The average concentration (2.17 ± 0.16 particles/individual (mean ± standard error)) was lower than in urbanized Fijian regions, but occurrence frequency was higher. Species-level variations in microplastic presence and particle characteristics highlight contamination risks in coastal fishing grounds. This dataset, the largest of its kind for Fiji, establishes a critical baseline for monitoring plastic pollution, supporting sustainable fisheries management and regional mitigation strategies.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic ingestion data for 86 fish species across five Vanuatu communities: a reference for Pacific Island pollution monitoring
Researchers documented microplastic ingestion in 354 fish across 86 species from Vanuatu's coastal communities, establishing the country's first baseline dataset and finding that only about 5% of fish contained microplastics, mostly fibers made of polyethylene. Because Pacific Islanders often eat whole fish including the gut, this dataset is especially important for assessing human microplastic exposure through traditional food practices.
Microplastic assessment of 33 marine finfish species from coastal communities on Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga
This study provides the first dataset on microplastic ingestion by coastal fish species in the Kingdom of Tonga, examining 139 fish from 33 species. Researchers detected microplastics in 42% of fish examined, with an average of 0.77 particles per individual, highlighting the relevance of microplastic contamination for Pacific Island communities that depend heavily on fisheries for food security.
Microplastic contamination in thirty commercially important fish species: Distribution, polymer composition, pollution indices, and human health risks
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in 600 specimens across 30 commercially important fish species from the Indian coast, finding the highest accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract with carnivorous species carrying the greatest burden. Polyethylene and polypropylene fibers were the dominant particle types, and human health risk assessment showed measurable daily intake from consuming these fish, with pollution indices indicating considerable to medium hazard risk levels.
Presence of microplastics in water, sediments and fish species in an urban coastal environment of Fiji, a Pacific small island developing state
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic levels in surface water, sediments, and fish from the urban coastal environment of Suva, Fiji. The study confirmed the presence of microplastics across all three matrices in this Pacific small island developing state, and evaluated contributions from local sources including wastewater, highlighting that microplastic pollution affects even remote island nations.
Assessment of microplastic contamination in commercially available fishes
Researchers found microplastics in every one of 32 commercially sold fish from markets in Vellore, India, recovering a total of 875 particles from their gills and digestive tracts. Fibers made up 91% of the microplastics, with polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene being the most common types. Since these are fish commonly eaten by local populations, the findings raise direct concerns about human microplastic exposure through seafood consumption.