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Long-term investigation of microplastic abundance in Squalius species in Turkish inland waters
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By examining museum fish specimens collected from 22 Turkish river basins between 2004 and 2018, researchers found microplastics in 21% of Squalius fish gastrointestinal tracts, with fibers (79%) and polyethylene the dominant types. Using historical collections to track contamination over time is a novel approach, and the results suggest microplastic ingestion by freshwater fish has been an ongoing problem for at least two decades, pre-dating most monitoring efforts.
Examining the enduring alterations in microplastic (MP) concentrations within fish in inland waters is of utmost importance in understanding the historical trajectory of plastic waste and formulating consequential predictions regarding upcoming pollution levels. This study includes the collection of fish samples from 22 different river basins in Türkiye and all Squalius species distributed in Türkiye, covering the years 2004-2018, and examined the presence of MP in museum specimens' gastrointestinal tracts (GITs). 331 specimens were examined, and microplastic was observed in 20.8% (69). A mean value of 0.27 ± 0.19 MP per individual was observed, resulting in a cumulative score of 91 MP. Most observed MPs were composed of fiber, representing 79.1% of the total. The polymer types identified were mostly polyethylene (PE) at 38.5% and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at 29.7%. The black color was prominent among MPs, and MP length ranged between 101 and 4963 μm. The analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in the mean MP values across different years and basins. There is no substantial correlation between the abundance of MP and the sizes of fish, population density, or quantities of plastic production. The data indicate that MP has persistently acted as a contaminant in freshwater ecosystems over an extended period. It is projected that the laundering of synthetic textiles serves as the primary contributor to MP contamination in freshwater bodies. Our results offer significant baseline data on the pervasive issue of MP pollution in the freshwater environment. These findings enable us to gain profound insights into the current state of MP contamination in fish residing in lotic systems while empowering us to make accurate predictions about its future trajectory.
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A fish tale: a century of museum specimens reveal increasing microplastic concentrations in freshwater fish
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Researchers analyzed preserved museum fish specimens spanning over a century (1900-2017) and found that microplastic concentrations in freshwater fish digestive tissues have increased significantly over time, correlating with rising global plastic production. The increase was most pronounced after the 1950s when plastic manufacturing expanded dramatically. The study provides the first historical timeline of microplastic ingestion in freshwater fish, confirming that contamination has escalated alongside industrial plastic use.
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Scientists studying fish collected from Turkish rivers and lakes over 14 years found tiny plastic bits (microplastics) in about 1 in 5 fish, showing that plastic pollution has been quietly building up in freshwater ecosystems for years, not just recently. This matters because these fish are part of the food chain, and freshwater sources like this often connect to what humans eventually eat or drink — so tracking plastic contamination in wildlife helps scientists understand and manage a pollution problem that could affect us too.
Microplastic Pollution at Different Trophic Levels of Freshwater Fish in a Variety of Türkiye`s Lakes and Dams
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