We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The influences of spatial-temporal variability and ecological drivers on microplastic in marine fish in Hong Kong
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that over 57% of marine fish in Hong Kong waters contained microplastics, with higher abundance in fish from more polluted western waters during the wet season, and that omnivorous fish ingested significantly more microplastics than carnivorous fish regardless of collection location or season.
This study examined microplastic (MP) occurrence and abundance in marine fish collected from the western and eastern waters of Hong Kong during the wet and dry seasons. Over half (57.1%) of the fish had MP in their gastrointestinal (GI) tracts, with overall MP abundance ranging from not detected to 44.0 items per individual. Statistical analysis revealed significant spatial and temporal differences in MP occurrence, with fish from more polluted areas having a higher likelihood of MP ingestion. Additionally, fish collected in the west during the wet season had significantly higher MP abundance, likely due to influence from the Pearl River Estuary. Omnivorous fish had significantly higher MP counts than carnivorous fish, regardless of collection location or time. Body length and weight were not significant predictors of MP occurrence or abundance. Our study identified several ecological drivers that affect MP ingestion by fish, including spatial-temporal variation, feeding mode, and feeding range. These findings provide a foundation for future research to investigate the relative importance of these factors in governing MP ingestion by fish in different ecosystems and species.
More Papers Like This
Evidence for non-selective ingestion of microplastic in demersal fish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that 54% of demersal fish stomachs in Hong Kong contained microplastics across five species, with no significant difference between species, wild versus farmed fish, or locations, suggesting non-selective ingestion, though fish near the Pearl River showed higher contamination frequency.
Microplastic Ingestion by Fish with Different Feeding Habits from Different Habitats in a Typical Semi-Enclosed Haizhou Bay
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of eight fish species in China's Haizhou Bay found microplastic detection rates of 53–80% across species, with benthic and omnivorous fish accumulating significantly more MPs than pelagic or predatory fish, and PET, polyamide, and polystyrene linked to marine aquaculture and port construction. Feeding behavior and habitat depth are key determinants of MP accumulation, with bottom-dwelling fish consuming prey that carries greater plastic loads from contaminated sediment layers.
Geographical and ecological factors affect microplastic body burden in marine fish at global scale
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review analyzed microplastic levels found in marine fish worldwide and identified key factors driving contamination. Fish from areas with heavy human activity contained more microplastics, and since many of these species are eaten by people, this contamination represents a direct route of human exposure through seafood.
The presence of microplastics in fishes of South Maldives
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in the gut, gills, and flesh of two fish species collected from South Maldives, with 80% of one species containing plastic particles, indicating widespread ingestion by reef fish in this remote island nation and potential transfer into the human food chain.
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.