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Investigation of Microplastic Contamination in Diadema Setosum Obtained from a Fishing Barn
Summary
Microplastics were detected in both the gastrointestinal tracts and gonads of sea urchins (Diadema setosum) collected from a fishing barn, with fibers and fragments being the most common types. The presence of microplastics in gonads — the reproductive organs — is particularly concerning because it raises questions about whether plastic particles could affect the reproductive health of marine invertebrates and potentially contaminate seafood consumed by humans.
This study is undertaken to evaluate microplastic contamination levels in Diadema setosum specimens obtained from a fishing barn. Microplastic (MP) pollution levels and their potential impacts on marine biota are still unknown compared to coastal and offshore environments. For this purpose, 19 individuals of D. setosum were collected and microplastic abundance in their gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and gonad were investigated. Mean microplastic abundance in GITs was 3.0 MPs±3.1 MPs per individual and 0.9±1.0 MPs per g wet weight. Mean microplastic abundance in the gonads was 0.3±0.6 MPs per individual and 0.08±0.2 MPs per g wet weight. Among all MPs, 45% of extracted MPs were fibers, followed by fragments (44%) and pellets (11%). Regarding size, the majority of the MPs extracted from GITs and all of the MPs extracted from gonads were small size MPs (less than 1 mm in size). FTIR analysis validated the plastic nature of suspected particles. Polyethylene (PE) (50%) and polypropylene (PP) (50%) were the most common type of polymers. These are the main polymers used in production of fishing nets; therefore, this result seems to validate the anthropogenic influence in the study area. This study contributes to the knowledge of the transfer of microplastics to the marine food web and highlights the need for protective measures.