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Microplastic characterization in the stomachs of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from the western Mediterranean Sea
Summary
Researchers analyzed the stomachs of 49 swordfish from the western Mediterranean Sea and found microplastics in 80% of them, predominantly small fibers made of polyethylene terephthalate. Comparing samples from two time periods showed that the frequency of microplastic ingestion increased over time, rising from about 70% to 90% of fish examined. The study highlights growing microplastic exposure in large predatory fish that are widely consumed by humans.
In this study, we aimed to quantify the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the stomachs of large pelagic fish (swordfish, Xiphias gladius, Linnaeus, 1758) sampled in the western Mediterranean Sea, and assess temporal trends (2011-2012 vs. 2017-2019) in MP ingestion. MPs were extracted from stomachs and characterized by μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results highlighted the ingestion of MP in 39 out of 49 stomachs analysed. Ingested MPs consisted mostly of small (<1 mm) fibers (88.6 %, mean ± standard deviation = 2.5 ± 6.1 particles per stomach), with a greater frequency of occurrence (FO) in the second period (FO = 90 %, 3.3 ± 8.0 particles per stomach). The predominant colours were purple, black and blue, and polyethylene terephthalate was the most frequently detected polymer. These results are crucial for the development of management actions aimed at the conservation of swordfish in the Mediterranean Sea and the prevention of health risks to humans.