We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
First evidence of microplastic ingestion in the ocean giant sunfish (Mola mola)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastic ingestion in ocean sunfish (Mola mola) in the Northeast Atlantic, finding microplastics in 79% of 53 specimens with a median of 1 item per individual, predominantly blue fibers and styrene acrylic copolymer fragments smaller than 300 micrometers.
Mola mola is the largest teleost inhabiting our ocean and the presence of microplastics (MP) in this flagship species was, before this study, never described. Thus, this investigation focused on analysing MP ingestion in 53 ocean giant sunfish in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. A total of 116 MP were found in 79% of the specimens, with a median of 1 MP.ind, ranging from 0 to 11 MP.ind. Seasonal differences were observed, with more fibers registered in specimens caught in autumn. Among the different size classes observed, the smallest category (<300 μm) was the most frequent (43%). Blue (43%) was the most prevalent color, followed by green (29%) and black (10%). The majority of fragments were styrene acrylic copolymer (53%), while most fibers were rayon (78%). These findings emphasize that the ocean sunfish population crossing the southern waters of Portugal is exposed to microplastic pollution and highlight the need for effective management policies to address plastic pollution in marine ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
First evidence of presence of plastic debris in stomach of large pelagic fish in the Mediterranean Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined stomach contents of large predatory fish including swordfish and bluefin tuna caught in the Mediterranean Sea and found plastic debris in about 18% of the specimens. The ingested plastics ranged from tiny microplastics to large fragments, and were primarily polyethylene and polyester. This is the first study documenting plastic ingestion in large pelagic Mediterranean fish, suggesting that even top ocean predators are exposed to plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution and ocean giants: Investigating the extent and impacts of plastic ingestion by marine megafauna
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the extent and impacts of plastic pollution on ocean giants including large marine vertebrates such as whales, basking sharks, and manta rays, which are exposed to microplastics through filter feeding and ingestion of contaminated prey. The review found growing evidence of microplastic ingestion in these species, with potential consequences for their health and conservation.
Microplastic ingestion by Atlantic mackerel and blue whiting in Icelandic waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that Atlantic mackerel and blue whiting in Icelandic waters had ingested microplastics, with fibres being the dominant type found. The study suggests these commercially important fish species are exposed to microplastics throughout their feeding range in the North Atlantic.
Microplastic characterization in the stomachs of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from the western Mediterranean Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed the stomachs of 49 swordfish from the western Mediterranean Sea and found microplastics in 80% of them, predominantly small fibers made of polyethylene terephthalate. Comparing samples from two time periods showed that the frequency of microplastic ingestion increased over time, rising from about 70% to 90% of fish examined. The study highlights growing microplastic exposure in large predatory fish that are widely consumed by humans.
Microplastic contamination in large migratory fishes collected in the open Atlantic Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastic contamination in large migratory fish collected during a circumnavigation of the Atlantic Ocean, with all seven commercially important species containing microplastics predominantly as fibers in their gastrointestinal tracts.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.