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Microplastic accumulation in commercial fish from the Adriatic Sea
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in six commercial fish species from the Northern Adriatic Sea sold for human consumption. The study found that 47.8% of fish contained microplastics, primarily polyethylene and polypropylene fragments, which is particularly concerning because some of these species are consumed whole without being gutted.
We assessed the presence and concentration of microplastics in fishes from the Northern Adriatic Sea on sale for human consumption. Microplastics were extracted from the digestive tract of 180 specimens, belonging to 6 different species (2 pelagic, and 4 demersal). Microplastics were identified through Nile red staining, and selected particles were analyzed by μ-Raman spectroscopy. The 47.8% of examined fish were found to contain microplastics (233 fragments). The mean concentration of microplastics in the 6 species ranged between 4.11 ± 2.85 items/individual in Adriatic soles, and 1.75 ± 0.71 items/individual in pilchards. Microplastics ranged in size between 0.054 mm and 0.765 mm. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the polymer types identified through μ-Raman spectroscopy. Despite our estimates are underestimations, these results are of particular concern, as the fish analyzed are consumed without being eviscerated, and the microplastics they contain are transferred directly to humans.
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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.