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Microplastics in the Gastrointestinal Tract and Gills of Fish (Dormitator latifrons) from Monterrico Multiple Use Natural Reserve, Guatemala
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Researchers collected fat snook fish (Dormitator latifrons) from a protected estuary in Guatemala and examined their gastrointestinal tracts and gills for microplastics. Microplastics were found in the majority of fish sampled, providing the first data on microplastic ingestion in this protected Central American coastal ecosystem and raising conservation concerns for endemic freshwater fish.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern due to its persistence in the environment, widespread distribution, and potential ecological risks, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. MPs are readily ingested by fish, either directly or accidentally, posing threats to organismal health and food webs. In Guatemala, fish biodiversity in protected coastal areas plays a key role in maintaining ecosystem services and supporting local communities' food security. However, the extent of MP contamination in these regions remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we investigated the abundance and composition of MPs in the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) and gills of Dormitator latifrons, a species of ecological and economic significance for artisanal fisheries. A total of 89 specimens were sampled across three field campaigns conducted in April, June, and October 2021 in Monterrico Multiple Use Natural Reserve, Guatemala. MPs collected in the GIT particles were higher than in the gills (p < 0.01). Fibers were the predominant MP type, with blue being the most frequently observed color in both organs. These results reinforce previous findings of MP ingestion by fish and highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of microplastic pollution in Guatemala’s aquatic ecosystems.
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