We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in Certain Commercial Finfish and Shellfish From Cox’s Bazar Fish Landing Center, Bangladesh: Evaluating Abundance and Risks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics in the gills, gastrointestinal tracts, and whole bodies of nine commercially important fish and shellfish species from Bangladesh's Bay of Bengal coast, finding fibers were most prevalent and polymethyl methacrylate was the dominant polymer type, raising human health concerns.
Microplastics (MPs) are significant environmental pollutants that have rapidly garnered public attention due to their widespread presence and harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. While MP pollution in the coastal regions has been widely reported, their potential impacts on public health are still not fully understood. The current study examined MP contamination in nine commercially important fish and shellfish species collected from the coastal waters of Bangladesh, specifically from the Bay of Bengal. MP abundances (fiber, fragment, and microbeads) were evaluated in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and gills of fish and in the whole body of shellfish. Fibers were the most prevalent MP types found across the samples. In the case of gills, the highest abundance of MPs was found in Bombay duck, while the lowest was in pomfret. For GIT samples, hilsa showed the highest MP concentration, whereas the lowest was observed in bombay duck. Moreover, the highest level was observed in crabs, while the lowest was in squid (p < 0.05), likely because crabs are benthic feeders exposed to sediment-bound MPs, whereas squids are pelagic predators with lower exposure and more selective diets. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared research revealed that the major polymer types were polymethyl methacrylate (43.33%), ethylene vinyl acetate (23.33%), nitrile butadiene rubber (1.67%), polypropylene (5%), polycarbonate (3.33%), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (6.67%), nylon (5%), high-density polyethylene (1.67%), polyvinyl chloride (6.67%), and polyurethane (3.33%). MP contamination in fish and shellfish was assessed using contamination factor and pollution load index values, both below 10, indicating low to moderate pollution levels. The polymer hazard index further categorized the identified polymer types into risk levels ranging from low to very high, highlighting potential ecological and health concerns. These results underscore the urgent need for effective environmental management and continuous monitoring to mitigate MP-related risks.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence, abundance, and characteristics of microplastics in marine fish from the Cox's Bazar coast, Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists studying popular fish species from Bangladesh's coast found tiny plastic bits — mostly fibers from things like synthetic clothing and packaging — in over three-quarters of the fish tested, showing up in both their gills and guts. Since these are commonly eaten fish, the findings suggest people may be consuming small amounts of plastic along with their seafood, highlighting why cutting down on plastic pollution and improving waste disposal matters for both ocean health and what ends up on our plates.
Microplastic abundance in commercially important brackish water fin-fish from the Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Assessment of microplastics in coastal ecosystem of Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in water, beach sand, and fish along two major coastal areas of Bangladesh. Microplastics were found in every sample type, with fibers being the most common shape and polyethylene and polypropylene the dominant plastic types. Fish accumulated microplastics in their digestive tracts and body tissues, raising concerns about human exposure through seafood consumption in the region.
Occurrence, characteristics, and polymer associated hazard of microplastics in commercially dried marine seafood from coastal Bangladesh.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested six types of dried seafood from four coastal areas in Bangladesh and found microplastics, mostly fibers, in every sample. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common plastic types, and the estimated health risk from these plastics varied widely between regions, from low in Sundarban to very high in Kuakata.
Microplastics in Some Freshwater Wild and Farmed Fish Species of Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in multiple freshwater fish species from both wild river populations and farmed fish in Bangladesh, with fibers being the dominant type. The study highlights the widespread contamination of both wild and farmed fish in major Bangladeshi rivers, with implications for human dietary exposure through fish consumption.
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.