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Identification of anthropogenic debris in the stomach and intestines of giant freshwater prawns from the Trang River in southern Thailand
Summary
Researchers identified and characterized anthropogenic debris including microplastics in the stomachs and intestines of giant freshwater prawns collected from the Trang River in southern Thailand, finding 370 total pieces across examined specimens. Females averaged 4.87 microplastic pieces per stomach compared to 3.03 for males, with fibers comprising 72.70% of all debris and polymers identified across the size range of less than 100 µm to 100-500 µm.
Based on the study results, a total of 370 pieces of anthropogenic debris were discovered in the stomachs and intestines of both female and male prawns. The average number of microplastics per individual was 4.87 ± 0.72 in female stomachs and 3.03 ± 0.58 in male stomachs, and 1.73 ± 0.36 in female intestines and 2.70 ± 0.57 in male intestines. The majority of microplastics found in females were within the <100 µm range, while males contained microplastics in the range of 100-500 µm. Both male and female prawns contained fibers (72.70%) and fragments (27.30%). Various polymers were identified, including cotton, rayon, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The study also explored the relationship between carapace length, length of abdomen, body weight, stomach weight, and the number of microplastics. The findings reveal a significant association between the number of microplastics and stomach weight in male prawns (R = 0.495; p = 0.005). These findings provide alarming evidence of anthropogenic debris ingestion in prawns and raise concerns about the future effects of anthropogenic pollution on giant freshwater prawns.