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Microplastic contamination in the aquaculture icon Oreochromis mossambicus: Prevalence, characteristics, and comprehensive overview
Summary
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in the Mozambique tilapia, a widely farmed fish species in India, and found microplastics present in the digestive tracts of sampled fish. The most common types were fibers and fragments made of polyethylene and polypropylene. The study raises concerns about microplastic transfer through aquaculture to human consumers, given the growing importance of tilapia farming and the rising levels of plastic pollution in Indian freshwater systems.
The global production of plastics has surged to 368 million tonnes annually, leading to significant plastic waste accumulation, projected to reach 12,000 Mt by 2050, impacting aquatic ecosystems. Fish, crucial for their protein and nutrients, are particularly vulnerable to microplastic (MP) ingestion. As a major aquaculture producer and fish consumer, India faces rising plastic pollution in freshwater, which disrupts fish health and growth, posing a significant threat to the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture systems and potential health risks. This study focuses on Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), valued for its widespread aquaculture use, rapid growth, and nutritional benefits. Our research reveals significant MP contamination (69.23 %) in Mozambique tilapia, with over 80 % from the Ulhas River and 60 % from the Bhima River contaminated and females showing higher susceptibility. These findings emphasise the need for further research on MP impacts on human health and the development of mitigation strategies.