We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Integrated analysis of microplastics origins and impact on prominent aquaculture ecosystems in Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastics (MPs) have become a pressing environmental challenge in aquaculture-farmed ponds, particularly in Bangladesh, where research on their prevalence and impact is sparse. This research systematically investigates the distribution, abundance, and features of MPs in water and fish from aquaculture ponds in the western region of Bangladesh. The study reveals that MPs were widespread in water samples, with quantities ranging from 0.095 to 0.36 items/L, predominantly fibers accounted for 60.86 % of the total, followed by 26.08 % fragments, 11.30 % lines, and 1.76 % pellets. Fish samples demonstrated an average MP concentration of 1.19 items/g (23.37 items/individual), in fish gill ranging from 1.05 to 5.04 items/g and in GIT 0.40 to 2.26 items/g across eleven species, predominantly fibers with a 100 % detection rate, showing variability in MP concentration based on tissue type, species, and feeding habits. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was employed to analyze the polymer composition, revealing significant proportions of SSP (W-43.17 %, F-35.22 %), PE (W-5.06 %, F-23.14 %), PP (W-5.57 %, F-8.19 %), nylon (W-15.76 %, F-14.84 %), PVC (W-7.16 %, F-3.58 %), and acrylic (W-5.57 %, F-4.93 %). Strong correlations were found between fish size and MP abundance, indicating that pond environmental contamination is a significant factor in MP ingestion. Pollution risk assessment revealed high contamination MP levels in both water and fish. Among the probable sources, MPs contributions are from agricultural runoff, tires of vehicles (each 14.11 %), fishing nets, fish feed, household wastage, plastic-made feeding equipment, laundry wastage (each 11.76 %), and so on. The research underscores the need for further research on MP exposure to human health and sustainable aquaculture production practices.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in fish culture ponds: abundance, characterization, and contamination risk assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastics in aquaculture ponds of Bangladesh: Source attribution, pollution load, and ecological risk assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastics in Some Freshwater Wild and Farmed Fish Species of Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in multiple freshwater fish species from both wild river populations and farmed fish in Bangladesh, with fibers being the dominant type. The study highlights the widespread contamination of both wild and farmed fish in major Bangladeshi rivers, with implications for human dietary exposure through fish consumption.
Ecological risk profiling of microplastic load in commercial aquaculture of Bangladesh: A multi-approach analysis across species-specific ponds
AI summary Read the abstract
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 aquaculture: Evidence of sediment–fish transfer and associated ecological risks in Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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.