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Sorption, Extraction, and Characterization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Environmentally Weathered Microplastics, Particulate Organic Matter, Sediment, and Fish Species in the Lavaca-Matagorda Bay System
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Researchers studied how microplastics carry cancer-causing chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Lavaca-Matagorda Bay system in Texas. They found PAHs attached to microplastics, sediment, and in the digestive systems of three commercially important fish species. This shows that microplastics can act as vehicles for toxic chemicals in coastal waters, potentially affecting the safety of fish that people eat.
The historical industrial input of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and, more recently, microplastics into the Lavaca-Matagorda Bay system is a threat to its health and the region's fishery economy. Our study assessed the role of microplastics in PAH mobility within Lavaca-Matagorda Bay. We investigated concentrations of the EPA's 16 high-priority PAHs on microplastics, particulate organic matter, and surface sediments. Additionally, the gastrointestinal tracts of three economically important fishes within the bay [Paralichthys lethostigma (n = 46), Sciaenops ocellatus (n = 47), and Cynoscion nebulosus (n = 85)] were examined for microplastics, while their liver and muscle tissue were analyzed for PAHs. In all three matrices, the average concentration of ∑16PAHs ranged from 890.2 to 28,574.0 ng·g-1. The average individual PAH concentration in fish species ranged from 75.1 to 145.4 ng·g-1. Fish species in all of the sampling sites were classified between minimally and moderately polluted, with potential PAH bioaccumulation observed only in the southern flounder. About 67% of all of the analyzed sediment samples from Lavaca-Matagorda Bay indicate possible adverse or moderate adverse biological effects. This demonstrates the need for greater remediation of the existing pollution and continued monitoring of industrial discharges within Lavaca-Matagorda Bay to reduce harm to the ecosystem and the local economy.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.