We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and heavy metals in freshwater fish species in the southwestern region of Bangladesh: An emerging concern for public health
Summary
Researchers examined seventeen freshwater fish species from Bangladesh and found microplastics in all of them — mostly tiny fibers under 1mm made of polyethylene — alongside concerning levels of heavy metals including chromium and lead. While microplastic-linked health risks were low to moderate, the heavy metal contamination posed elevated cancer risks for people who regularly eat these fish.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution and its associated toxicity raising concerns among scientists as a result of their toxicological impacts on human health and the ecosystem. This study aims to investigate the microplastics and heavy metals (HMs) contamination in seventeen freshwater fish species collected from the Southwestern region of Bangladesh. Microplastics extracted from these species using the hydrogen peroxide digestion method and characterized by Attenuated Total Reflection- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to determine the concentration of HMs in different species for evaluating human health risks. A total of 142 microplastic particles were extracted with an average concentration of 1.13 ± 0.84 items per individual of fish, where the highest microplastics were found in C. punctata (3.43 ± 3.15 items) and lowest in A. mola (0.14 ± 0.38 items). Identified microplastics were dominated by < 1 mm size (87.3%), black color (60.6%), and fiber shape (94.4%). Polyethylene (73.08%), polypropylene (21.15%), and polystyrene (5.77%) were the most prevalent among the identified microplastic polymers. A positive correlation was found between microplastic numbers and fish weight and length. Low to moderate human health risks were associated with microplastics. The concentration (mg/kg) of heavy metals in studied fish samples was Cr (0.47–2.89; 0.79 ± 0.56) > Cu (0.01–1.14; 0.50 ± 0.44) > Pb (0.04–0.58; 0.22 ± 0.12) > Cd (0.00–0.11; 0.03 ± 0.03), respectively. Heavy metals-based human health risk assessment results show that there are no major non-carcinogenic health risks (THI<1), while higher carcinogenic risks are present for consumers.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Abundance, characteristics and variation of microplastics in different freshwater fish species from Bangladesh
Researchers examined 48 freshwater fish from 18 species in Bangladesh and found microplastics in the digestive tracts of over 73% of the fish studied. Fibers were the most common shape, and the plastics were primarily polyethylene and polypropylene-based polymers. Bottom-dwelling fish contained more microplastics than those living higher in the water column, suggesting that contaminated sediments are a significant source of exposure for freshwater species.
Bioaccumulation of microplastics in the edible tissues of fish collected from urban lakes of Bangladesh: a potential exposure to public health
Researchers analyzed fish from urban lakes in Bangladesh and found microplastics present in the edible tissues of all species examined, with fibers being the most common type. The level of contamination varied by fish species and lake location, reflecting differences in local pollution levels. The findings raise public health concerns about microplastic exposure through freshwater fish consumption in densely populated urban areas.
Microplastic Occurrences in Freshwater Fish of Bangladesh
This review synthesizes research on microplastic contamination found in freshwater fish across Bangladesh, where rapid population growth and urbanization have led to significant plastic pollution. Researchers found that fibers are the most commonly detected microplastic type in fish tissues, raising concerns about impacts on gut health and immune function. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive monitoring given Bangladesh's heavy reliance on freshwater fish as a dietary staple.
Microplastic and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Cultured Fish: Concerns for Food Safety
Researchers analysed microplastics and heavy metals in five freshwater fish species from aquaculture ponds in Bangladesh and found MPs in the gastrointestinal tracts of 96% and in edible tissues of 88% of fish sampled. Heavy metal concentrations also exceeded safe levels in several species, raising combined food safety concerns.
Microplastics in freshwater wild and farmed fish species of Bangladesh
Researchers evaluated microplastic contamination in freshwater wild and farmed fish species across multiple rivers and farms in Bangladesh, comparing contamination levels between wild-caught and aquaculture-raised fish of the same species.