We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A comparative study of microplastic detection in Nemipterus japonicus, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Arius sp. and Scylla olivacea from Chennai Coastal Region, India using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic detection methods across three commercially important fish species from the same fishing grounds, finding species-specific differences in particle ingestion and demonstrating that gut content analysis methods affect detection outcomes.
Microplastics (<5 mm) are omnipresent pollutants produced directly or generated because of larger plastic particle breakdown. The challenge of microplastic pollution is an emerging global concern, with India being no exception. This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of microplastics in four commercially important aquatic species from two distinct ecosystems in Tamil Nadu, India viz., the Ennore Creek (brackish water) and the Kasimedu landing center (marine). The species examined were catfish (Arius sp.), mud crab (Scylla olivacea), Japanese threadfin bream (Nemipterus japonicus) and Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta). Microplastics were detected in 78.57% of the 70 samples analyzed, with Nemipterus japonicus and Arius sp. showing the highest average ingestion of 5±3 and 4±2.5 microplastic items per individual respectively. A distinct organ-specific trend was observed, with gills harboring slightly more microplastics (0.35 items/gills) compared to guts (0.21 items/gut). Fibers and fragments were the predominant microplastic shapes, while offwhite (translucent), white, blue and black were the most common colors detected. ATR-FTIR analysis identified low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyamide (nylon) as the primary polymer types. The research underscores considerable interspecies and species-specific variations in microplastic accumulation and dispersion, underscoring the necessity for precise, species-specific evaluations to comprehend the potential ecological and anthropogenic health ramifications of this escalating environmental issue. Recommendations include establishing comprehensive monitoring programs, implementing source reduction strategies, enhancing habitat conservation, and fostering collaborative research to address microplastic pollution in the studied ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Shellfish and elasmobranch as sentinel vector for microplastic contamination: Species and tissue-specific variability, ATR-FTIR polymer spectral fingerprint, pollution indices and health implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic contamination across shellfish and elasmobranch species from the Thoothukudi coast of South India, finding 2–8 particles per individual with the gut accumulating more than gills or muscle, polyethylene as the dominant polymer, and estimated daily dietary intake of 0.70–1.16 MP particles per kilogram body weight posing low-to-medium health risk.
Additives, plasticizers, small microplastics (<100 μm), and other microlitter components in the gastrointestinal tract of commercial teleost fish: Method of extraction, purification, quantification, and characterization using Micro-FTIR
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a Micro-FTIR extraction and identification method for small microplastics (under 100 µm) and plastic additives in the gastrointestinal tracts of five commercial Mediterranean fish species, finding species-specific contamination patterns with anchovies and sardines showing the highest microplastic burdens.
Microplastic contamination in fresh fish: insights from wet market in Selangor, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the gut and muscle tissue of four commercially important fish species from a Malaysian wet market, using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for polymer identification. Microplastics were detected in all species, with the highest abundance found in the gut of Lutjanus erythropterus, raising food safety concerns.
Assessment Of Microplastics In Commercially Important Fishes Collected From Thondi Fish Landing Center
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the presence and characteristics of microplastics in commercially important fish species collected from the Thondi fish landing center in India. The study evaluated microplastic contamination levels in fish obtained from a coastal fishing hub, contributing data on the prevalence of plastic particles in seafood relevant to both ecological and human dietary exposure concerns.
Comparison of Presence of Microplastics in Two Edible Fish Species from South India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic contamination in two edible fish species from South India, finding differences in the abundance and types of microplastics between species that likely reflect differences in feeding habits and habitat use.
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.