We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A Comparison of Microplastic in Fish From Australia and Fiji
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic contamination in fish sold for human consumption in Australia and Fiji, finding plastic particles in species from both countries. The study found differences in the abundance and types of plastic between the two regions, with fibers being the most common form, highlighting that microplastic contamination in commercial fish is a widespread issue across the southern hemisphere.
Awareness surrounding plastic pollution has increased significantly in the past decade, leading to concerns on potential adverse effects on biota, including the consumption of microplastic by fish. Globally, plastic has been found in many species of fish, but little research has been undertaken in the southern hemisphere. We assessed the abundance and type of plastic in fish captured and sold for human consumption in Australia and Fiji. Fish (goatfish, sea mullet, paddletail, and common coral trout) had their gastrointestinal tracts dissected and microplastic quantified under a microscope. Plastic polymer types were confirmed using μ-FTIR. In Australia, plastic was found in 61.6% of fish gastrointestinal tracts, while in Fiji, 35.3% of fish had plastic. Fish from Australia had almost double the amount of plastic on average than fish caught in Fiji, with 1.58 (± 0.23) pieces per fish in Australia compared to 0.86 (± 0.14) in fish caught in Fiji. The types of plastic differed between countries, with fibers comprising 83.6% of microplastic pieces in fish from Australia whereas 50% of microplastic found in fish from Fiji was film. Polyolefin was the most abundant polymer type in both fibers from Australia and film from Fiji. We hypothesize variations in abundance and plastic type are a reflection of the population density and coastal geomorphology, but may also be a result of legislation and waste management strategies in the two countries. This work adds evidence to the pervasive presence of plastic in fish gastrointestinal tracts, reinforcing the urgent need for efficient plastic waste management, but also a better understanding of the impacts of microplastic on marine biota.
More Papers Like This
Low abundance of microplastics in commercially caught fish across southern Australia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in nine commercially important fish species purchased from seafood markets across 4,000 km of southern Australia. They found that about 35.5% of fish had at least one microplastic particle in their gastrointestinal tract, with an average load of 0.94 pieces per fish, and polyolefin was the dominant polymer type. While microplastic ingestion was widespread across species and locations, the levels were lower than those reported in similar global studies.
Microplastic occurrence in 21 coastal marine fish species from fishing communities on Viti Levu, Fiji
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic ingestion in 184 fish from 21 species across three coastal communities in Fiji and found microplastics in 74% of fish examined. Fibers were the most common particle type at 66%, with polyethylene and polypropylene the dominant polymers. This dataset, the largest of its kind for Fiji, establishes a critical baseline for monitoring plastic pollution in the region's coastal fishing grounds.
Comparison of Presence of Microplastics in Two Edible Fish Species from South India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic contamination in two edible fish species from South India, finding differences in the abundance and types of microplastics between species that likely reflect differences in feeding habits and habitat use.
Ingestion of plastic by fish destined for human consumption in remote South Pacific islands
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented plastic ingestion in 24 fish species caught for human consumption in the remote South Pacific, finding plastic in fish from both local markets and fishermen's catches. The study raises concerns about microplastic transfer up the food chain to humans who eat these fish.
Microplastic contamination in commercial fish species in southern coastal region of India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined 220 commercial fish from the southern coast of India over six months and found microplastic contamination in all samples, with an average of 3.2 to 7.6 particles per fish. The most common types were fibers and fragments, primarily composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyamide. The findings indicate that microplastic contamination in commercially valuable fish species is widespread along the Indian coast, raising concerns about food safety.
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.