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Microplastic Contamination in Aquafeed Ingredients Used as Protein and Carbohydrate Sources
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Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in common aquafeed ingredients used as protein and carbohydrate sources. They found that poultry by-products had the highest microplastic levels, with polypropylene being a dominant polymer type likely originating from packaging materials. The study identifies a pathway by which microplastics can enter aquaculture food chains through contaminated feed ingredients.
The current study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of microplastics in feed ingredients commonly used as protein and carbohydrate (energy) sources to understand and mitigate microplastic contamination. Microplastics average was 1.27, 0.69, 2.85, 0.55, 0.07, and 0.17 particle g in fishmeal, soybean meal, poultry by-products, rice bran, wheat bran, and wheat flour, respectively. Notably, poultry by-products demonstrated significantly higher microplastic levels than other ingredients (p < 0.05). The dominant microplastic shape was microfibers, with prevalent sizes ranging from 500 to 1000 μm. We estimated that packaging materials are a significant source of pollution due to the high presence of polypropylene and other polymers. Top aquaculture species with the greatest microplastic exposure risk include the Catla catla, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, and Oreochromis niloticus. This research extends our knowledge of microplastic pathways, contributes to improving aquafeed quality, and provides the basis for determining the risk of microplastic exposure in aquafeed.
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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.