We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic pollution in edible marine fish from the northwestern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh: A comprehensive assessment of occurrence, characteristics and associated ecological risks
Summary
Scientists found tiny plastic pieces in the stomachs of all fish species they tested from waters near Bangladesh, with each fish containing about 7 plastic particles on average. Since people eat these fish, this means microplastics are likely getting into our food chain, though more research is needed to understand what health risks this might pose. The study shows that plastic pollution has spread throughout marine ecosystems and is now a common part of seafood we consume.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental issue with serious implications for marine ecosystems and potential risks to human health. This study assessed MP contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of 130 individuals representing 13 species (n=10 species–1) from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. A total of 892 MP particles were detected, confirming ubiquitous contamination across all species. MP abundance ranged from 3.70–12.00 items per individual (mean±SD: 6.87±1.08 items fish–1). Five morphotypes: fibers, films, foams, pellets, and fragments were identified, with fibers constituting the dominant category. Most MPs were <5 mm, and red was the most common color. MP abundance exhibited a moderate positive correlation with body length (r=0.41), indicating that larger individuals tended to contain higher numbers of MP. Benthopelagic species exhibited the highest MP ingestion (7.85±2.58 items fish–1), while carnivorous fishes showed greater contamination (7.13±2.59 items fish–1) among trophic guilds. Risk assessment revealed that contamination factor (CF) ranged from 1.00–3.24, indicating moderate to high levels of MP contamination. The overall polymer load index (PLI) was 1.76, corresponding to a low pollution risk category. However, polymer hazard index (PHI) analysis revealed dominance of moderate-risk polymers, including polyester and PP–PE copolymer, with high-risk polymers such as nylon (PHI = 8.80) and PVC (PHI = 7.00) contributing substantially to overall hazard. These findings provide baseline evidence of MP contamination in Bangladeshi marine fisheries and highlight the need for future studies integrating polymer toxicity, trophic transfer, and human exposure pathways to support effective mitigation strategies.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The pervasiveness of microplastic contamination in the gastrointestinal tract of fish from the western coast of Bangladesh
Researchers found microplastics in every individual fish examined from the western coast of Bangladesh, with an average of 7.1 particles per specimen, and demersal species accumulating more microplastics than pelagic species near the world's largest mangrove ecosystem.
Microplastic Pollution in the Middle Ground Fishing Zone of the Bay of Bengal: Abundance, Morphology, and Preliminary Risk Assessment
Scientists found tiny plastic particles in fishing waters off Bangladesh, with over 2,000 pieces per cubic meter of seawater. Since people eat fish from these waters, this plastic pollution could end up in our food supply, though the researchers say the current risk level is still considered low. This is the first study of its kind in this important fishing area, which helps us understand how plastic waste in the ocean might affect the seafood we eat.
Tracing microplastics in marine fish: Ecological threats and human exposure in the Bay of Bengal
Researchers analyzed microplastics in nine fish species from the Bay of Bengal, finding an average of about 33 microplastic items per fish, mostly fibers. Bottom-dwelling and meat-eating fish had higher contamination levels, and the pollution was linked to untreated industrial and municipal waste. The study raises concerns about human health exposure through seafood consumption in a region where millions of people depend on fishing for food and livelihood.
Ecological risk assessment of microplastics and mesoplastics in six common fishes from the Bay of Bengal Coast
Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts and muscle tissue of six commonly eaten fish species from the Bay of Bengal, with fiber-shaped particles making up over 95% of what was found. This contamination in edible fish muscle tissue means that people who eat these species are likely ingesting microplastics directly.
Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in two edible marine fish species sourced from the Bay of Bengal: Contamination level and risk assessment
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in two commonly eaten fish species from the Bay of Bengal, examining both gills and digestive tracts. Microplastics were found in all fish studied, with differences in accumulation based on the species' feeding habits and where they live in the water column. Since these fish are widely consumed by local populations, the findings raise concerns about human microplastic intake through seafood.