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
Summary
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.