We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
VISUAL IDENTIFICATION OF MICROPLASTIC CONTAMINATION IN COMMON BLEAK (Alburnus alburnus, L. 1758) FROM GRUŽA LAKE
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic analysis of gastrointestinal tracts of common bleak (Alburnus alburnus) from Gruža Lake found predominantly blue textile fibers, with blood traces in fish intestines suggesting potential physiological impacts—highlighting the need for FTIR/Raman chemical confirmation after initial visual identification in freshwater fish biomonitoring.
Microplastics (MPs) in freshwater ecosystems pose significant environmental risks, particularly to fish populations. This study examines the gastrointestinal (GI) tract contents of fish, revealing a predominance of blue fibers, likely originating from textiles and fishing activities. After visual detection, digestion of residual biological material is needed for precise analysis. Identifying MPs requires chemical techniques like FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Blood traces in fish intestines suggest potential physiological impacts. As lakes act as pollution sinks, understanding MPs sources is crucial for mitigating risks to aquatic ecosystems and ensuring environmental sustainability.
More Papers Like This
The first observation of the presence of microplastics in wild common bleak (Alburnus alburnus L.) and standardization of extraction protocols
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts, muscle tissue, and whole bodies of common bleak fish from a Serbian reservoir, comparing different extraction protocols. The study provides first evidence of microplastics in this species while also developing cost-effective extraction methods.
Validation of an imaging FTIR spectroscopic method for analyzing microplastics ingestion by Finnish lake fish (Perca fluviatilis and Coregonus albula)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and validated an imaging FTIR spectroscopy method for identifying microplastics ingested by Finnish lake fish, including perch and vendace. The study confirmed that wild freshwater fish are ingesting microplastics and demonstrated that standardized analytical methods are needed to improve the reliability of microplastic detection in aquatic organisms.
Assessment tools for microplastics and natural fibres ingested by fish in an urbanised estuary
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic and natural fiber ingestion in three benthic fish species from Sydney Harbour, Australia, using gut content analysis and spectroscopic identification. They found ingested debris including synthetic and natural fibers as well as synthetic fragments across all species examined. The study demonstrates the value of combining visual analysis with chemical identification techniques like FTIR and Raman spectroscopy to accurately distinguish true microplastics from natural materials in fish gut contents.
No microplastics in benthic eelpout ( Zoarces viviparus ): An urgent need for spectroscopic analyses in microplastic detection
AI summary Read the abstract
A study monitoring microplastic ingestion in eelpout fish found that visual identification alone falsely identified natural fibers as synthetic microplastics — spectroscopic analysis confirmed no actual microplastics were present. The findings underscore that infrared spectroscopy is essential for reliable microplastic research and that visual-only methods lead to significant overestimates.
Screening for microplastics in marine fish of Thailand: the accumulation of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of different foraging preferences
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic ingestion in 492 marine fish (361 demersal and 131 pelagic) from Thailand, finding no significant difference in uptake between the two foraging types, with polyamide fibers dominating in both groups. FT-IR analysis confirmed polyamide as the most common polymer and red-colored fibers as the most abundant morphology, providing the first such characterization for Thai marine fish.
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.