We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic in angling baits as a cryptic source of contamination in European freshwaters
AI summary Read the abstract
This study identified recreational fishing bait as an overlooked source of microplastic pollution in European freshwaters. Commonly used baits including boilies and pellets contained significant plastic particles released into waterways during fishing, representing a widespread and poorly regulated pollution pathway.
High environmental microplastic pollution, and its largely unquantified impacts on organisms, are driving studies to assess their potential entry pathways into freshwaters. Recreational angling, where many anglers release manufactured baits into freshwater ecosystems, is a widespread activity with important socio-economic implications in Europe. It also represents a potential microplastic pathway into freshwaters that has yet to be quantified. Correspondingly, we analysed three different categories of industrially-produced baits ('groundbait', 'boilies' and 'pellets') for their microplastic contamination (particles 700 µm to 5 mm). From 160 samples, 28 microplastics were identified in groundbait and boilies, with a mean concentration of 17.4 (± 48.1 SD) MP kg-1 and 6.78 (± 29.8 SD) mg kg-1, yet no microplastics within this size range were recorded in the pellets. Microplastic concentrations significantly differed between bait categories and companies, but microplastic characteristics did not vary. There was no correlation between microplastic contamination and the number of bait ingredients, but it was positively correlated with C:N ratio, indicating a higher contamination in baits with higher proportion of plant-based ingredients. We thus reveal that bait microplastics introduced accidentally during manufacturing and/or those originating from contaminated raw ingredients might be transferred into freshwaters. However, further studies are needed to quantify the relative importance of this cryptic source of contamination and how it influences microplastic levels in wild fish.
More Papers Like This
Pêche récréative et fonctionnement des lacs : conséquences des pratiques d'amorçage et aide à la gestion opérationnelle
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of recreational fishing in French gravel-pit lakes found that two of three angling bait types tested contained microplastics at an average of 17.4 particles per kilogram. Some carp anglers were using over 4.6 kg of bait per day, meaning microplastics are being deliberately introduced into freshwater systems as a by-product of angling, on top of the significant nutrient pollution these baits also cause.
Glitters in fishing ground baits – A direct source of primary microplastics in soil and freshwater ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
Fishing bait pastes sold commercially contain glitter particles made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), meaning anglers are directly and intentionally introducing primary microplastics into freshwater ecosystems during fishing activities. These glitter particles are designed to attract and be ingested by fish, efficiently inserting plastic into the food chain, and accelerated aging tests showed they remain durable in both saltwater and marine sediments. This is a previously overlooked but direct human-driven route for primary microplastic contamination of freshwater and marine environments.
Microplastics in freshwater fish from Central European lowland river (Widawa R., SW Poland)
AI summary Read the abstract
More than half of gudgeon and roach fish collected from a small Polish river had ingested microplastic-like particles, with no significant difference by sex, feeding behavior, or location relative to a dam. The findings suggest microplastic ingestion by freshwater fish is widespread and not driven by a single local source.
An Integrated Approach to Assessing the Potential of Plastic Fishing Gear to Release Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an integrated approach to assess how abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear releases microplastics into marine environments. The study found that fishing gear is a significant but understudied source of microplastic pollution, and the research provides new methods for quantifying microplastic release from different types of plastic fishing equipment.
Characterization and enumeration of microplastic pollution in three fish species of the Upper Mississippi River
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found 891 microplastic particles across 281 fish from three species in the Upper Mississippi River, with fibers being the most common type and smaller fish containing proportionally more microplastics than larger ones. This confirms microplastic ingestion is widespread in freshwater fish — not just marine species — and the presence of styrene-isoprene, polyester, and ABS polymers highlights the diverse plastic sources contaminating major river systems.
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.