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Microplastics and trace metals in fish species of the Gulf of Mannar (Indian Ocean) and evaluation of human health
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Researchers examined microplastics and trace metals in five commercially important fish species from the Gulf of Mannar in the Indian Ocean. They found microplastics in both muscle and intestinal tissues, predominantly polyethylene and polypropylene particles, and estimated that human consumers could ingest 121 to 456 microplastic items per person per year from eating these fish.
The importance of microplastic (MPs) contamination in marine environments is reflected by increasing number of studies in fish species. Some even dedicated to the toxicological effects from the ingestion. Microplastics (MPs) and their trace metal composition were examined in the muscle and intestine of five commercially important fish species (i.e., Sufflamen fraenatus, Heniochus acuminatus, Atropus atropos, Pseudotriacanthus and Leiognathus brevirostris) from Thoothukudi at the Gulf of Mannar coast in south India. The abundance and morphology of MPs (size, shape, and texture) in muscle and intestinal were investigated by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FT-IR) and atomic force microscope (AFM). ICP-OES was used to investigate the adsorption/leaching of trace metals in microplastics in order to assess health risk for adults and children. Particles of 100-250 μm and white color dominated, and the mean abundances (items/100 g) of total MPs were more in Pseudotriacanthus (muscle: 51.2; intestine: 50.1) compared to Heniochus acuminatus (muscle: 9.6; intestine: 15), Leiognathus brevirostris (muscle: 12; intestine: 13.2) and Atropus atropus (muscle: 15.2; intestine: 44.1). Polyethylene (35.3%), polypropylene (27.2%), polyamide (nylon) (22.2%) and fiber (15.3%) represented the MPs present in muscles, and polyamide (nylon) (30.2%), polyethylene (28.1%), polypropylene (25.9%), and fiber (15.8%) composed the intestine MPs. We estimated possible consumption of 121-456 items of MPs/week by adults and about 19-68 items of MPs/week by children by considering the sizes of safe meals. Zn, Cu, Mn and Cr in these fish species reflected influence of the sewage waste. However, the non-carcinogenic risk evaluated through EDI, THQ, HI, and CR did not suggest any immediate health problem for the consumers.
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Quantification, identification, and chemical characterization of microplastics (MPs) in commercial fishes from the Palk Strait, Southeast India
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Researchers examined microplastics in the tissues and guts of 75 commercially important fish from the Palk Strait in Southeast India, finding an average of 115 particles per individual. Fibers were the most common form at 51%, with polyethylene and polypropylene as the dominant polymers, and particle sizes ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 millimeters. The presence of microplastics in edible fish tissues suggests a potential route of human exposure through seafood consumption.
Quantification, identification, and chemical characterization of microplastics (MPs) in commercial fishes from the Palk Strait, Southeast India
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Researchers examined microplastics in the tissues and guts of 75 commercially important fish from the Palk Strait in Southeast India, finding an average of 115 particles per individual. Fibers were the most common form at 51%, with polyethylene and polypropylene as the dominant polymers, and particle sizes ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 millimeters. The presence of microplastics in edible fish tissues suggests a potential route of human exposure through seafood consumption.
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in 600 specimens across 30 commercially important fish species from the Indian coast, finding the highest accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract with carnivorous species carrying the greatest burden. Polyethylene and polypropylene fibers were the dominant particle types, and human health risk assessment showed measurable daily intake from consuming these fish, with pollution indices indicating considerable to medium hazard risk levels.
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A two-year survey of estuarine fish in southern Kerala, India, found microplastics — predominantly polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene — in the stomachs of multiple commercially consumed species. The study documents spatial and seasonal variation in contamination levels, raising concern about human dietary exposure to microplastics through fish consumption in Indian coastal communities.
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Scientists found microplastics in the muscles, guts, and gills of six commercially important fish species from the Bay of Bengal, identifying over 7,000 particles total. Polyethylene and polypropylene fibers were the most common types, and tuna had the highest contamination levels. Since these fish are widely consumed by people in the region, the findings highlight a direct dietary exposure pathway for microplastics to reach humans through seafood.
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