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Classification Study of Ingested Plastic Particles in Marine Organisms using Electron Microscope: A Case Study of Cameroon Beaches
Summary
Scientists collected and classified plastic debris ingested by fish on Cameroon beaches, identifying the size, type, and shape of plastic particles using electron microscopy. The findings confirm that fish in West African coastal waters are ingesting microplastics, with potential implications for human health through seafood consumption.
Plastic wastes are non-biodegradable whose fragmentation often leads to the formation of micro plastics. These are likely to be ingested by marine organisms with grave consequences to human health. A plastic waste classification study was carried out using (Pseudotolithus sp and E. fimbriata) to determine the quantity and quality of ingested plastic particles. It is on this basis that a laboratory analysis was carried out using an electron microscope. From a qualitative and quantitative point of view, plastic debris ingested by organisms (Pseudotolithus sp and E. fimbriata) was classified into five groups: (a) fishing lines (47%), (b) plastic particles (9%), (c) cord filaments (23%) thongs (13 %), and other particles (8%). The results from this study will certainly enhance policy development where protein from fish is considered the ultimate source for protein for humankind, not forgetting fish pollution which is a common cry to communities that depend on fish for their livelihoods and as an ideal source of protein.