We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in Shortfin Scads (Decapterus Macrosoma) in Northern Philippines
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic contamination in shortfin scads, a key pelagic fish species, from multiple sites in northern Philippines. The study found that microplastic prevalence varied across locations, with particles identified through fluorescence microscopy after tissue digestion and density separation, highlighting the potential for human exposure through seafood consumption.
Microplastic pollution poses persistent threats to marine ecosystems and human health via seafood consumption. This study quantified prevalence, abundance, and morphology of microplastics in shortfin scads (Decapterus macrosoma), a key pelagic fishery species, from National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) sites in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, and Cagayan. Twelve specimens (3/sites x 4 NSAP sites) underwent gastrointestinal tract dissection, 10% KOH digestion at 80°C, density separation, and Nile red staining under fluorescence microscopy for identification. Microplastic prevalence varied spatially: 66.67% in Pantal, Dagupan City (Pangasinan; 1-6 particles/specimen), 33.33% in Palawig, Sta. Ana (Cagayan) and Poblacion 1, Pagudpud (Ilocos Norte; 1-2 particles), and 0% in Taggat Norte, Claveria (Cagayan). Dominant forms were fragments (irregular shapes) and fibers (linear), exhibiting intense orange fluorescence indicative of synthetic polymers. Findings establish baseline contamination patterns linked to coastal anthropogenic activities, highlighting risks to food safety and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Enhanced monitoring, waste management, and polymer-specific analyses are recommended to mitigate pelagic fishery impacts.
More Papers Like This
Ingestion of microplastics by bigeye scad, Selar crumenophthalmus in Municipal Waters of Malimono, Surigao del Norte, Philippines
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found microplastics in 11.67% of bigeye scad fish sampled from municipal waters in the Philippines. Fibers made up the majority of ingested plastics. The findings contribute to growing evidence that microplastic ingestion is widespread in commercially important fish species in Southeast Asian coastal fisheries.
Microplastic contamination in pelagic fishes from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers extracted and identified microplastics from the livers of Indian mackerel and yellowtail scad collected from two states on Malaysia's east coast. Both species contained microplastics, with fiber shapes predominating, and contamination levels varied by location, highlighting regional differences in microplastic exposure risk for commercially important fish.
Ingestion and accumulation of microplastics in small marine fish and potential human exposure: case study of Binh Dinh, Vietnam
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic accumulation in five small marine fish species commonly consumed by coastal communities in Binh Dinh, Vietnam. They found microplastics present in fish from all sampling sites, with seasonal and species-level variation in contamination levels. The study estimates potential human dietary exposure to microplastics through fish consumption and raises food safety concerns for coastal populations relying on local seafood.
Detection and Identification of Microplastics from Locally Sold Fishes in Borongan City, Samar Island, Philippines
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected and identified microplastics in the digestive tracts and gills of locally sold fish species from Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Philippines, finding mostly irregularly shaped micro-fragments that were transparent or red in color. The study highlights microplastic contamination in commercially important fish as a food safety concern for coastal communities in the region.
Characterization of microplastic in trawl fish caught in Padang City (Indonesia) coastal area
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastics found in trawl fish caught along the coastal waters of Padang City, Indonesia, documenting the types, abundance, and potential carcinogenic risk posed by microplastic contamination in commercially important fish species.
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.