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Impact of Plastic Waste Ingestion by Fish
Summary
This review synthesized experimental evidence on how microplastic ingestion affects fish physiology and behavior, finding that plastics act as vectors for toxic chemicals including mercury, cause oxidative stress, and transfer contaminants up the food chain to human consumers. Because microplastics bioaccumulate through trophic levels, populations relying heavily on seafood—particularly from coastal regions—face compounded exposure risks that extend well beyond the plastic particles themselves.
The research was conducted based on the exposure of a fish diversity to different concentrations and types of plastic waste, either by direct ingestion, exposure to contaminated environments, or transfer through the trophic chain. The types and degrees of affections these wastes cause to fish are described; also, a comparison of the results by some authors in their experiments has been included. As a result, it has been concluded that the waste is easily assimilated by fish, regardless of their dimensions, and microplastics act as aquatic vectors capable of transporting organic and inorganic matters which have the potential to harm marine organisms that absorb them directly or indirectly. The size of the ingested microplastic is in function of the fish size; the smaller the length, the smaller the waste; additionally, pelagic species are more likely to be contaminated by microplastic ingestion because they inhabit mid-water or near the surface. Microplastic particles can be transferred through trophic levels and their presence in the receiving body generates a series of enzymatic responses including the bioaccumulation of mercury (Hg), and other, and the combination of both, which would be causing oxidative stress. There is the likelihood of transferring these contaminants through trophic levels, which could trigger illnesses in consumers, and the high probability of exposure to microplastics transferred by trophic levels, especially for populations living near maritime routes and close to urban industrial areas. It is necessary to adopt binding government policies that allow the establishment of controls to prevent the entry of plastics on beaches.