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Microplastics distribution and possible ingestion by fish in lacustrine waters (Lake Bracciano, Italy)
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Researchers assessed microplastic distribution in surface water and the water column of Lake Bracciano, Italy, and examined ingestion by two fish species with different habitat preferences. Microplastics were found in Coregonus lavaretus at a contamination frequency of 5%, with polyethylene dominating both water and fish polymer profiles, confirming microplastic exposure for fish in this volcanic lake.
Understanding the spatial distribution patterns of microplastics (plastics < 5 mm) contributes to the assessment of sources and sinks of pollution thus providing information for the management of biota safety and overall ecosystem functionality. We chose a semi-closed study area, Lake Bracciano (Italy), to assess the environmental variability of contamination, focusing on the water compartment and the exposure of biota, specifically fish, by analysing the ingestion of microplastics. The focus of this study is to evaluate the concentration of microplastics in water (surface and column) across the lake and the ingestion of microplastics by two fish species of economic interest: Atherina boyeri and Coregonus lavaretus, inhabiting demersal and pelagic habitats respectively. Results show a surface contamination of 392,000 ± 417,000 items km and a column one of 0.76 ± 1.00 items m. Fragments were the most abundant in surface while fibres in the column. Microplastics were found in C. lavaretus specimens, corresponding to contamination frequency of 5% and concentration of 0.15 items/fish. The main polymer found in water was polyethylene (81%); of minor percentages, there were various other polymers, including polystyrene and acrylic, which were also found in fish. As scientific literature provides few research where water and fish are simultaneously sampled, this investigation wants to contribute filling this knowledge gap by investigating for the first time a volcanic lake.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.