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Are fishes selecting the trash they eat? Influence of feeding mode and habitat on microplastic uptake in an artificial reef complex (ARC)
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A study of 216 fish from 18 species at artificial reef complexes found that 60% had microplastics in at least one organ, with an average concentration of 1.55 MPs per gram. Notably, certain species selectively ingested particular microplastic types, colors, and polymer compositions, suggesting active (if unintentional) selection rather than random uptake. This is the first evidence of microplastic selectivity in commercially important fish near artificial marine structures, with direct relevance for seafood safety and fisheries management.
Every year, coastal countries generate ∼275 million tons of plastic, and the oceans receive from 4.8 to 12.7 million tons. Pollution by synthetic polymers is even more problematic for the environment when this material is fragmented into small portions, forming microplastics (MPs). In the present study, we analyze the selection of MPs by the ichthyofauna based on the availability of the morphotypes and polymeric composition of microplastic in the environment and compare the amount of MP in surface water, water column, sediments and fish in different organs, trophic categories, habitats and areas with and without artificial reefs. In order to achieve this goal, the shape, color, abundance and chemical composition of MPs in the digestive tract and gills of 18 fish species in artificial reefs area and control area, were evaluated. A total of 216 fish were analyzed, and 149 (60 %) had MPs in at least one organ and showed a mean concentration of 1.55 ± 3.31 MPs/g. Of the 18 fish species collected in the reef complex area, 17 (94 %) included individuals with at least one MP in digestive tract or gills. Four species showed the higher selectivity of MP types, colors, and polymers. More MPs were found in the fish, surface water, water column and sediment in the artificial reef area compared to the control areas. This is the first evidence of MP selection by commercially important fish species in artificial marine structures worldwide. These results provide useful information on MP pollution in RAs and highlight yet another issue that must be considered in the management of fisheries resources in the region and in other reef complexes around the world.
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This western Mediterranean study examined microplastic ingestion across multiple species of fish, crustaceans, and elasmobranchs, finding that feeding traits and habitat influenced but did not fully explain plastic uptake rates. The results indicate that a range of commercially important marine species are exposed to microplastics, with mean ingestion rates up to 2.3 particles per individual.
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