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Low microplastic abundance in Siganus spp. from the Tañon Strait, Central Philippines
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Microplastics were found at low abundance in rabbitfish (Siganus spp.) from the Tañon Strait in the central Philippines, with fiber types dominating and concentrations lower than reported in fish from more heavily polluted Asian coastal waters.
Microplastic (MP) occurrence is a major global issue, though data on MP occurrence in the Philippines is limited and the potential effects of MPs on biota are still poorly studied. MP occurrence in fishes remains a concern, especially in economically and ecologically important species such as Siganus spp. This study determined MP occurrence in the gastrointestinal tract of wild rabbit fishes from Tañon Strait, the largest marine protected area in the Philippines. Siganus canaliculatus (n = 65), S. spinus (n = 17), S. guttatus (n = 5), S. virgatus (n = 8) and S. punctatus (n = 1) were sampled from the north and south of the strait. All MPs isolated from the gut of the rabbit fishes except for fibers were chemically analyzed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy; an established library was used to determine the polymeric identities. Five particles were confirmed as polyester, polyamide, polyethylene or phenoxy resin MPs. The average MP abundance was 0.05 items/individual (S. virgatus > S. guttatus > S. canaliculatus > S. spinus = S. punctatus), which is comparable to studies conducted in other locations using similar methods. Fibers were counted (1556 in total), but not chemically analyzed. The low MP abundance in the samples may be attributed to the capability of rabbit fishes to discriminate food preferences. However, the risks associated with MPs should not be underestimated, especially as all parts of the fishes-including the gut-are utilized as human foods in the Philippines and many other Asian countries.
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Microplastics in marine sediments and rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens) from selected coastal areas of Negros Oriental, Philippines
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Researchers conducted the first study of microplastics in an edible finfish in the Philippines, examining rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens) from coastal areas of Negros Oriental and finding the highest polymer diversity in fish from the densely populated city of Dumaguete. Sediment samples were dominated by rayon microfibers from textiles, while fish guts contained different polymer types reflecting the distinct feeding habitats of this species.
Microplastic Occurrence in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Rabbitfish (Siganus canaliculatus) in Pujada Bay, Philippines
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Researchers evaluated microplastic ingestion in rabbitfish (Siganus canaliculatus) from Pujada Bay, Philippines, finding MPs in the gastrointestinal tracts of 27.5% of 80 individuals with FTIR spectroscopy confirming the polymer types present. The study documents MP contamination in a commercially important reef fish species, raising concerns about trophic transfer and seafood safety in Philippine coastal waters.
Occurrence and Visual Characteristics of Suspected Microplastics in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Wild Rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) from Tamisan, Pujada Bay, Philippines
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Scientists found tiny plastic fibers, mostly blue, in the guts of about 1 in 4 wild rabbitfish caught in a Philippine bay — a popular fish for local diets. While this study didn't test whether these fibers make it into the parts of the fish people actually eat, it's a reminder that plastic pollution is working its way into seafood, adding to the case for reducing plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.
Microplastics in some fish species and their environs in Eastern Visayas, Philippines
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Researchers investigated microplastic ingestion in freshwater and marine fish species in the Philippines, finding that herbivorous rabbitfish ingested more MPs than detritivore mullet, and that MP concentrations in fish guts did not strongly correlate with surrounding water concentrations.
Microplastics in the Mottled Rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens) in Negros Oriental, Philippines with Notes on the Siganid Fishery. The Journal name is Silliman Journal ISSN 0037-5284. Entry of this Journal is not allowed below.
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Researchers found microplastics in 30% of mottled rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens) samples from Negros Oriental, Philippines, with the highest rates near the most densely populated area. The study also found that fish reproductive parameters have declined compared to 1979 data, suggesting that combined pressures from overfishing and microplastic pollution may be affecting population health in this commercially important species.
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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.