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A Comparison of the Microplastic Consumption by Small and Large Anchovy Fish
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Researchers compared microplastic ingestion in small versus large anchovies from four sites in Indonesian seas, finding that both size classes contained microplastics but with differences in particle abundance and type. Since anchovies are often consumed whole, this raises concerns about direct human exposure to microplastics through seafood.
Recent studies have shown microplastics are also found on anchovy from Indonesia Sea. The anchovy is an abundant fish caught all year round because of the market demand in Asia. Generally, people do not like tiny anchovy pieces, and tend to consume anchovy as a whole, thus ingesting the digestive system as well. This study therefore broadens the perspective on data comparison from the previous study. In this study, four locations on the Indonesia Sea were assigned as the anchovy's sample origin. Subsequently, statistical analysis was conducted on comparison and regression for both microfiber and microfilm contamination found on each anchovy. The highest contaminated anchovy with microfiber (59.96±0.63 particle idv-1) and microfilm (68±8.50 particle idv-1) were discovered to be from Talisayan, East Kalimantan, while the lowest contamination on microfiber were from East Lombok (13±4.58 particle idv-1), and no microfilm contamination was found on Alor's anchovy. Furthermore, a comparison was conducted between the anchovy's weight, length, microfiber, and microfilm, and the results showed no correlation (p > 0.05). This issue is therefore more challenging for future research, as another probability of accumulation is open. The bundance of microplastics contamination is not related to the anchovy's body mass, however, there is currently an exception for the variable of location, and only microfilm contamination has a correlation to the sample locations (r = 0.576).
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Microplastic exposure in anchovies: baseline evidence from small-island waters of Indonesia
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Researchers checked anchovies from a small Indonesian island for microplastics and found tiny plastic bits, mostly fibers, in almost all the fish, averaging about one particle per anchovy. Since anchovies are typically eaten whole, this means people consuming them may also be swallowing these plastic particles, though this study only measured contamination levels and didn't test health effects. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and stronger efforts to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans to protect seafood safety.
Microplastic contamination in Indonesian anchovies from fourteen locations
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Microplastic contamination was found in anchovies sampled from 14 locations across Indonesia, with contamination levels varying by location and suggesting that the widespread marine distribution of microplastics poses risks to commercially important small pelagic fish.
Ingestion of microplastics by anchovies from east Lombok Harbour, Lombok Island, Indonesia
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts of anchovies (Stolephorus spp.) from East Lombok Harbour, Indonesia, finding an average of 88 microplastic particles per individual. Fibres (51%) and films (30%) dominated the microplastic morphologies, with FTIR spectroscopy confirming polymers including polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene.
Relative exposure to microplastics and prey for a pelagic forage fish
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Researchers quantified the relative exposure of Northern Anchovy to microplastics versus their natural zooplankton prey in the California Current, finding a median ratio of 1 microplastic per 3,399 zooplankton. Juvenile anchovies had a higher relative microplastic exposure than adults, and offshore habitats and winter conditions were associated with peak exposure.
Microplastic uptake and gut retention time in Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) under laboratory conditions
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Researchers found that adult Japanese anchovy selectively ingested 0.3-mm microplastics over 0.85-mm particles based on size but showed no color preference, and that over 90% of ingested microplastics were excreted within 20 hours, suggesting limited retention and accumulation under natural feeding conditions.
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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.