We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in commercial marine fish species in the UK – A case study in the River Thames and the River Stour (East Anglia) estuaries
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in three commercially important fish species from UK estuaries, finding that over 41% of fish had ingested at least one microplastic particle. Larger and heavier fish were more contaminated, and the results highlight that humans who eat these common fish species are likely being exposed to microplastics through their diet.
The aim of this study was to assess the abundance of microplastics in the gastro-intestinal tracts of three commercially important fish species in the UK, to determine whether catch location, feeding habits and fish size influence the amount of microplastics within fish. Fish were collected from two rivers in the UK: the River Thames and the River Stour (East Anglia). Fish were collected from two sites in the River Thames and one site in the River Stour. Species selected were European flounder (Platichthys flesus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus), and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), and were chosen to represent benthic and pelagic feeding habits. Across all locations, 41.5 % of fish had ingested at least one microplastic particle (37.5 % of European flounder, 52.2 % of whiting, and 28.6 % of Atlantic herring). The average number by species was 1.98 (±3.50) microplastics/fish in European flounder, 2.46 (±3.10) microplastics/fish in whiting and 1.47 (±3.17) microplastics/fish in herring. There were no significant differences in the number or mass of microplastics in fish based on river, site, species or habitat. However, the number and mass of microplastics within benthic fish (European flounder) in the River Stour were significantly higher than in benthic fish from the River Thames. By number of microplastics, larger and heavier fish were more highly contaminated. This study enhances our understanding of microplastics in commercially important fish but highlights that fish contamination is not easily predicted by feeding habits or catch location alone. Exposure and uptake is likely to vary with changing environmental conditions. Fish size tends to be a good predictor of contamination, with larger fish generally containing more microplastics. This is the first study to directly compare concentrations of microplastics in fish from different UK rivers and the first evidence of microplastics in the River Stour.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence of microplastics in commercial fish from a natural estuarine environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the gastrointestinal tracts of commercial fish caught from a natural estuarine environment and found microplastics in a significant proportion of individuals, documenting both occurrence rates and particle characteristics.
A review of microplastic pollution in commercial fish for human consumption
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined microplastic contamination in commercial fish muscle consumed by humans worldwide. Researchers found that microplastics were present in 56.5% of the fish samples analyzed, with contamination levels ranging from 0.016 to 6.06 items per gram of muscle tissue, raising concerns about long-term dietary exposure to microplastics through seafood consumption.
Presence of microplastic in the digestive tracts of European flounder, Platichthys flesus, and European smelt, Osmerus eperlanus, from the River Thames
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts of both European flounder and European smelt from the River Thames in London, with occurrence rates reflecting the fish's benthic versus pelagic feeding habits. The study demonstrates that fish in heavily urbanized river systems are exposed to microplastic contamination through their diet.
¬Occurrence of Microplastic Ingestion by Commercial Fish Species from the Pangempang Estuary in Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Five commercially important marine fish species from the Pangempang Estuary in Indonesia were examined for microplastic ingestion, with particles found in the digestive organs of all species tested.
Occurrence and characterization of microplastic content in the digestive system of riverine fishes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in 93.8% of riverine fish examined, with polystyrene, polyethylene, and nylon being the most common polymer types concentrated near urban and industrial areas, and small particles (0.025-1 mm) predominating across 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.