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Microplastic ingestion by adult milkfish Chanos chanos (Forsskål, 1775) in aquaculture system: The case of Butuan Bay, Philippines
Summary
Researchers examined farmed milkfish from aquaculture cages in Butuan Bay, Philippines, and found microplastics in 97% of the fish sampled. The dominant particle types were fibers and fragments, with colors and polymer types matching common plastic packaging and fishing materials. The study raises concerns about microplastic contamination entering the human food supply through aquaculture in coastal areas with high plastic pollution.
The Philippines is an archipelago that relies on marine resources. Butuan Bay in the Philippines supports aquaculture, which can contribute to and can be impacted by plastic pollution. However, the microplastics (MP) in milkfish, an important aquaculture species in the area, are yet to be ascertained. This study determined the prevalence of microplastics in the surrounding seawater and in the gut of adult milkfish from cages in Butuan and Nasipit in Butuan Bay. Water samples in Nasipit and Butuan contain 0.20 items/L and 1.00 items/L, respectively. MPs in milkfish in Butuan (10.27 items/individual) were significantly higher than in Nasipit (5.40 items/individual). A total of 235 MPs in 29 out of 30 fish samples (97 %) from the two sites were detected. The dominant MP shape and color were fiber and blue, respectively. The presence of microplastics in the milkfish may indicate a possible risk to the fish species and human health.