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Tracing microplastics in marine fish: Ecological threats and human exposure in the Bay of Bengal
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Researchers analyzed microplastics in nine fish species from the Bay of Bengal, finding an average of about 33 microplastic items per fish, mostly fibers. Bottom-dwelling and meat-eating fish had higher contamination levels, and the pollution was linked to untreated industrial and municipal waste. The study raises concerns about human health exposure through seafood consumption in a region where millions of people depend on fishing for food and livelihood.
This research on microplastics (MPs) in marine environments, particularly in Bay of Bengal fish, underscores the limited comprehension of their accumulation and potential health and environmental consequences. The study investigated the abundance of MPs in the organs of nine marine fish species from the north Bay of Bengal, assessing their polymeric risks and implications for human health. The average MPs ingested by each individual was 32.9 ± 3.0 items/ind.10 g predominantly fibers (93.1 %), followed by fragments (6.1 %), with black being the most common color (76.3 %). The primary polymers identified were polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (19.4 %), polyether sulfone (PES) (10.7 %), polyamide PA (8.7 %), acrylic, and polyethylene (PE), in the 500-5000 (80 %) μm size range. A moderate negative correlation with strong statistical significance was found with girth sizes and MPs concentration of average (Pearson's r = -0.5728, p < 0.0001). Body weight exhibited moderate negative correlations with MPs abundance in fish tissues (Pearson's r = -0.4701, p < 0.0001). Movement behavior analysis showed a negative correlation between MPs in fish tissues and depth range (Pearson's r = -0.4231, p < 0.0001). Demersal species contained more MPs than pelagic species, and carnivorous fishes had higher MPs levels than omnivorous and planktivorous fishes. The contamination factors (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and polymeric hazard index (PHI) were high and associated with untreated industrial and municipal wastewater sources. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of MPs for adults and children indicates significant health risks. The study improves our comprehension of MPs contamination, providing a significant reference for the appropriate governance, tracking, and reducing pollutants in marine animals in coastal waters.
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Microplastics in fishes from the Northern Bay of Bengal
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in three fish species collected from the Northern Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. They found an average of 3 to 9 microplastic items per fish, with fibers and irregular fragments being the most common types. The study highlights the prevalence of microplastic pollution in this important fishery region and the potential for human dietary exposure through consumption of these commonly eaten fish species.
Occurrence, characteristics and distribution of microplastics in commercial marine fishes of the Bay of Bengal
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Scientists found microplastics in the muscles, guts, and gills of six commercially important fish species from the Bay of Bengal, identifying over 7,000 particles total. Polyethylene and polypropylene fibers were the most common types, and tuna had the highest contamination levels. Since these fish are widely consumed by people in the region, the findings highlight a direct dietary exposure pathway for microplastics to reach humans through seafood.
Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in two edible marine fish species sourced from the Bay of Bengal: Contamination level and risk assessment
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination in two commonly eaten fish species from the Bay of Bengal, examining both gills and digestive tracts. Microplastics were found in all fish studied, with differences in accumulation based on the species' feeding habits and where they live in the water column. Since these fish are widely consumed by local populations, the findings raise concerns about human microplastic intake through seafood.
Microplastic abundance in commercially important brackish water fin-fish from the Bay of Bengal
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Researchers analyzed the gastrointestinal tracts of seven commercially important fish species from the Bay of Bengal, confirming widespread microplastic contamination dominated by fibers and fragments, with implications for seafood safety.
Microplastic pollution in edible marine fish from the northwestern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh: A comprehensive assessment of occurrence, characteristics and associated ecological risks
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Scientists found tiny plastic pieces in the stomachs of all fish species they tested from waters near Bangladesh, with each fish containing about 7 plastic particles on average. Since people eat these fish, this means microplastics are likely getting into our food chain, though more research is needed to understand what health risks this might pose. The study shows that plastic pollution has spread throughout marine ecosystems and is now a common part of seafood we consume.
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