We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Low occurrence of microplastic contamination in anchovies, a transboundary species, in Thai waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic occurrence in 100 anchovies from the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, finding a surprisingly low contamination rate of approximately 8% with only fragment-type MPs smaller than 500 micrometers detected, attributing the low levels to schooling behavior dilution effects, offshore distance from point sources, and the short six- to twelve-month lifespan of the fish.
In this study, size capture determination of the anchovies in the Gulf of Thailand (GoT) and the Andaman Sea showed length ranges of 6.00-9.90 cm and 3.50-12.00 cm and weight ranges of 2.23-8.00 g and 0.34-12.09 g, respectively. The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in anchovies were investigated by randomly sampling 100 individual anchovies (GoT = 50, Andaman Sea = 50) from 2670 samples. The samples were digested with 10% potassium hydroxide for the analyses of types and amounts of MPs present. Surprisingly, a low level (approximately 8%) of MPs was found, and the size of the MPs was less than 500 m. All found MPs were of a fragment type with only three types of polymer (polyethylene, polyester, and rayon) identified by FT-IR spectrophotometer. The low occurrence of MP ingestion in the anchovy samples in our study was probably caused by: (1) the dilution effect of the schooling behaviour of anchovies diluting the amount of MPs ingested by a single individual; (2) the dilution effect depending on the seaward distance from the shore (point source of MPs); and (3) the short residence time (6-12 months) of the anchovies living in the ocean gathered by our study. As a result, the low accumulation of MPs was found in the anchovy samples. The appearance of MPs in anchovies is an alarming finding for food security and sustainability in Thailand.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic contamination in Indonesian anchovies from fourteen locations
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic contamination was found in anchovies sampled from 14 locations across Indonesia, with contamination levels varying by location and suggesting that the widespread marine distribution of microplastics poses risks to commercially important small pelagic fish.
Microplastic exposure in anchovies: baseline evidence from small-island waters of Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers checked anchovies from a small Indonesian island for microplastics and found tiny plastic bits, mostly fibers, in almost all the fish, averaging about one particle per anchovy. Since anchovies are typically eaten whole, this means people consuming them may also be swallowing these plastic particles, though this study only measured contamination levels and didn't test health effects. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and stronger efforts to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans to protect seafood safety.
Presence and Characterization of Microplastics in Coastal Fish around the Eastern Coast of Thailand
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in 274 fish from Thailand's eastern coast and found that about 13% of specimens had ingested microplastics, predominantly PET fibers. Pelagic species showed slightly higher microplastic ingestion rates than bottom-dwelling species, though overall the contamination was relatively low compared to global averages. The study suggests that fish feeding behavior and habitat influence their exposure to microplastic pollution.
Ingestion of microplastics by anchovies from east Lombok Harbour, Lombok Island, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts of anchovies (Stolephorus spp.) from East Lombok Harbour, Indonesia, finding an average of 88 microplastic particles per individual. Fibres (51%) and films (30%) dominated the microplastic morphologies, with FTIR spectroscopy confirming polymers including polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene.
Microplastics in the gut of anchovies caught from the mud bank area of Alappuzha, Kerala
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in the gut contents of anchovies caught from the Alappuzha mud bank area of Kerala, India, documenting the presence of plastic ingestion in a commercially important small pelagic fish from a poorly studied regional fishery. The findings contribute baseline data on microplastic ingestion in Indian coastal fish species.
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.