Microplastics in water and fish of commercial interest: Distribution and relation to ecology in the colombians caribbean region, south america

Microplastics (MPs) are pollutants found in most of the world's marine ecosystems, causing environmental, economic, social, and cultural damage. This study focused on the coast of the Atlántico department and San Andrés Island in Colombia, evaluating microplastic contamination in surface waters and the gastrointestinal tracts of two commercially important fish species and one invasive species, while examining the relationship with the geographical distribution and ecology of these species. Eight sampling points were established per department, with sampling conducted in contrasting seasons (rainy and dry). A total of 128 water samples and 236 fish samples were collected, including Caranx crysos, Euthynnus alletteratus, and Pterois volitans. The surface waters of the Atlántico and San Andrés stations showed high MP contamination, with levels ranging from 0.2 to 11.8 MPs/m³ and 0.1 to 78.6 MPs/m³, respectively. In fish, the prevalence of MP ingestion was 82.6 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559667/document