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Eco-friendly or eco-threat? Influence of feeding zone on biodegradable microplastic uptake in freshwater fish and its impact on environment and food safety
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This study, the first of its kind in India, examined whether biodegradable microplastics accumulate in freshwater fish from different feeding zones of the Periyar River in Kerala. Researchers found that bottom-dwelling fish accumulated the most biodegradable microplastic particles, suggesting that feeding habitat plays an important role in exposure levels. The findings challenge the assumption that biodegradable plastics are inherently safer for aquatic ecosystems.
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are considered a sustainable alternative to reduce the long-term plastic pollution. However, recent research indicates that the degradation time of BPs varies depending on several factors, and biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) exhibit toxicological effects comparable to those of conventional microplastics, raising concerns about their use. There is a significant lack of research on the factors affecting BMP uptake in fish, with some studies focusing on the effects of BMPs under controlled laboratory settings. This study, the first of its kind in India, aims to examine the uptake of BMPs in freshwater fish from different feeding zones-pelagic, benthopelagic, and demersal-of the Periyar River in Kerala, India. Xenentodon cancila (pelagic; n = 80), Etroplus suratensis (benthopelagic; n = 80) and Anabas testudineus (demersal; n = 80) were selected for the study. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and edible tissues were isolated and analysed. BMPs were observed in the following order: benthopelagic > demersal> pelagic. Highest mean BMP abundance was recorded in E. suratensis (benthopelagic) i.e. 0.24±0.05 items/individual (0.04±0.01 items/g) in GIT and 0.08±0.03 items/individual (0.002± 0.00 items/g) in edible tissues. Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) was the only polymer observed. Adults have a comparatively higher risk of BMP exposure from E. suratensis and A. testudineus than children and aged individuals. The presence of BMPs in freshwater fish collected from the three feeding zones indicates widespread contamination across diverse habitats. This finding suggests that BMPs, despite their biodegradable nature, persist in aquatic environments long enough to enter the food web and is a growing environmental concern that must be addressed and appropriate strategies should be made to align with the goals of reducing pollution and protecting ecosystems.
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