We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Foraging Habit Determines the Amount of Microplastics Ingested in Five Fish Species from a Northern Adriatic Lagoon
AI summary Read the abstract
A two-season survey of five commercially important fish species in a Northern Adriatic lagoon found that microplastic ingestion rates varied dramatically by feeding strategy — from 16% in surface-feeding silversides to 92% in detritus-feeding mullet — with polyethylene and polypropylene fibres and fragments identified by Raman spectroscopy. The strong link between foraging behaviour and microplastic load has direct implications for food safety risk assessments, since bottom-feeding fish consumed by humans carry the highest burdens.
Abstract In this study we documented differences in the accumulation of microplastics (MP) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of 5 commercially important lagoon fish species, also considering the concentration of MP in the water column and sediment of a lagoon in the Po River Delta (Northern Adriatic Sea). Two sampling campaigns were carried out in 2021 (spring and autumn), and a total of 201 fish were examined. MP contents in fish species varied widely, with ingestion frequencies ranging from 16% ( Atherina. boyeri ) to 92% ( Chelon ramada ). Polyethylene and polypropylene were the polymer types identified in GIT through μ-Raman spectroscopy. There were more fibers than fragments both in the water column and in sediments, but different relative proportions were found in the contents of the GIT of visually-oriented planktivorous and chemically-oriented benthivorous fish. In the detritivorous Chelon ramada a higher concentration of MP (with fibers in greater proportion) was found in comparison to planktivorous and benthivorous fish, probably as a consequence of their passive foraging. Our results indicate that the quantity of MP ingested seems to be more a function of the foraging habits of the species considered, rather than MP availability in the environment.
More Papers Like This
Study of feeding biology and diet-associated microplastic contamination in selected creek fishes of northeastern Arabian Sea: A multi-species approach
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the feeding biology and diet-associated microplastic contamination of selected fish species, finding that feeding habits directly influence the quantity and type of microplastics ingested. The results demonstrate that trophic position and prey preferences are key predictors of microplastic exposure in wild fish.
Is the feeding type related with the content of microplastics in intertidal fish gut?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic ingestion across intertidal fish with different feeding strategies and found that feeding type influenced the amount of plastic found in stomachs. The study suggests that filter feeders and detritivores may ingest more microplastics than active predators, linking ecological role to plastic exposure risk.
Are feeding traits and habitat responsible of microplastics ingestion in fish, crustaceans and elasmobranches at the western Mediterranean?
AI summary Read the abstract
This western Mediterranean study examined microplastic ingestion across multiple species of fish, crustaceans, and elasmobranchs, finding that feeding traits and habitat influenced but did not fully explain plastic uptake rates. The results indicate that a range of commercially important marine species are exposed to microplastics, with mean ingestion rates up to 2.3 particles per individual.
Effect of biological and environmental factors on microplastic ingestion of commercial fish species
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic ingestion in commercially important fish species, evaluating how biological and environmental factors influence ingestion rates across 2,222 individual fish. The study assessed gastrointestinal tract contents to determine the extent and patterns of microplastic contamination. The findings suggest that both species-specific biology and environmental conditions play important roles in determining microplastic ingestion levels in commercial fish.
Microplastics occurrence in edible fish species (Mullus barbatus and Merluccius merluccius) collected in three different geographical sub-areas of the Mediterranean Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the gastrointestinal tracts of 229 demersal fish from two Mediterranean species across three geographic sub-areas, finding microplastics in a significant portion of individuals with fibers as the dominant type. The study contributes to growing evidence that microplastic ingestion is widespread in commercially fished Mediterranean species.
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.