We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Abundance and distribution of environmental microplastic in edible fish and mussels from the south Mediterranean coasts
Summary
Scientists found microplastics in every fish and mussel sample examined from the Algerian Mediterranean coast, with six common plastic types identified including polypropylene and polyethylene. The contaminated species are widely consumed by local populations. This study adds to growing evidence that people eating seafood are regularly exposed to microplastics, and helps establish baseline pollution data for an understudied region.
The present study aims to address a gap of knowledge by evaluating the in-situ ability of edible wild fish (Liza aurata, Sparus aurata and Sarpa salpa) and mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to serve as environmental vectors of MPs along the eastern Algerian coastline (namely; Sidi Salem, Ain Achir and Saint Cloud). Our data showed the widespread accumulation of MPs in highly consumed fish species and mussels in Annaba coastal area. MPs were found in all investigated organisms from the three studied areas. The most common size range of MPs was between 0,45 μm and 1,22 μm. Six polymers of MPs were identified from the sampling areas; polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The data provided by this study can serve as a support for assessing the status of MPs pollution in the Algerian coast areas and the associated human health risks.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Abundance and ecological risk of microplastics in commercial fish species from northeastern Mediterranean Sea
Researchers examined nine commercially important fish species from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea and found microplastics in both their digestive tracts and gills. The most common particles were small polyethylene and polypropylene fibers, and bottom-dwelling fish species had higher contamination levels. While the ecological risk was rated low to medium, the presence of microplastics in widely consumed fish species highlights a potential pathway for human exposure through seafood.
Microplastics in Morocco's most consumed fisheries: Chemical characterization, ecological traits, and implications for human health
Researchers analyzed 240 fish from 12 of Morocco's most commonly consumed species and found microplastics in 100% of samples, with particles detected in the gills, gonads, and digestive tracts. The most common plastics were polyethylene, PET, and polypropylene, predominantly appearing as fragments and fibers smaller than 1 mm. The findings raise concerns about human exposure to microplastics and associated heavy metals through everyday seafood consumption.
Evolution of the Distribution and Dynamic of Microplastic in Water and Biota: A Study Case From the Gulf of Gabes (Southern Mediterranean Sea)
Researchers found microplastics in all surface water samples and in the digestive tracts of multiple commercially important marine species in the Gulf of Gabes, Southern Mediterranean, revealing widespread contamination in a previously understudied region.
Binational survey using Mytilus galloprovincialis as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution: Insights into chemical analysis and potential risk on humans
Researchers conducted surveys of microplastic contamination in mussels from coastal sites across Morocco and Tunisia, finding plastics in 79 to 100 percent of all samples. The most common types were polyethylene and polypropylene fibers and fragments, with chemical analysis revealing the presence of associated toxic additives. The study estimates that regular mussel consumers in these regions face meaningful microplastic intake, highlighting a potential human health concern.
Assessment of microplastic abundance and impact on recreational beaches along the western Algerian coastline
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance on three recreational beaches along the western Algerian coastline. The study found an average of about 55 microplastic items per square meter, predominantly fragments, and used a pollution index to characterize contamination levels, contributing important baseline data for understanding plastic pollution along the understudied North African Mediterranean coast.