We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in the edible and inedible tissues of pelagic fishes sold for human consumption in Kerala, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastics in both edible and inedible tissues of nine commercially important fish species from Kerala, India. They found that 41% of fish had microplastics in inedible tissues like gills and viscera, while 7% had particles in edible muscle and skin, with filter-feeding fish showing higher contamination than visual predators. The study suggests that human consumption of pelagic fish from this region could result in microplastic exposure, though the quantities found in edible tissues were relatively small.
Microplastics in commercially important seafood species is an emerging area of food safety concern. While there have been reports of plastic particles in the gastrointestinal tract of several species, presence of microplastics in edible fish tissues has not yet been reported from India. This study examined the presence of microplastics in the edible (muscle and skin) and inedible (gill and viscera) tissues of nine commercially important pelagic fish species from Kerala, India. A total of 163 particles consisting mainly of fragments (58%) were isolated. Out of 270 fishes analysed (n = 30 per species), 41.1% of the fishes had microplastics in their inedible tissues while only 7% of fishes had microplastics in their edible tissues. The quantity of microplastics in inedible tissue was significantly larger in filter feeders than, that in visual predators (p < 0.05). The average abundance of microplastics in edible tissues was 0.07 ± 0.26 items/fish (i.e., 0.005 ± 0.02 items/g) and was 0.53 ± 0.77 items/fish (i.e., 0.054 ± 0.098 items/g) in inedible tissues. The results suggest the possibility of human intake of microplastics by the consumption of pelagic fishes from this region, albeit in small quantities.
More Papers Like This
Evaluation of Microplastic Contamination in Commercially Edible Fresh Water and Marine Fishes Bought from Fish Markets, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
AI summary Read the abstract
This Indian study examined microplastic contamination in freshwater and marine fish sold in markets in Tamil Nadu, finding plastic particles in multiple commercially important species. People who regularly eat fish from contaminated markets are likely consuming microplastics as part of their diet.
The Occurrence of Microplastics in the Gut Contents of Selected Estuarine Fishes of Southern Kerala, India
AI summary Read the abstract
A two-year survey of estuarine fish in southern Kerala, India, found microplastics — predominantly polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene — in the stomachs of multiple commercially consumed species. The study documents spatial and seasonal variation in contamination levels, raising concern about human dietary exposure to microplastics through fish consumption in Indian coastal communities.
Microplastic (MP) occurrence in pelagic and demersal fishes of Gujarat, northwest coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined 400 fish from Gujarat, India and found microplastics in every single fish, with 68% having plastics in their edible tissue. Fibers were the only type found in edible parts, while inedible tissues also contained fragments and films, with low-density polyethylene being the most common polymer. This is the first study of its kind from this region and suggests that people eating fish from these waters are regularly consuming microplastics.
Accumulation of microplastic in edible marine species from North Kerala, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in the edible tissues of three popular seafood species (clams, shrimp, and anchovies) from fish markets in Kerala, India. Fibers and fragments were the most common shapes, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the dominant plastic types. Since these species are consumed whole or with minimal processing, the study highlights a direct pathway for microplastic ingestion by people who eat locally caught seafood.
Quantification, identification, and chemical characterization of microplastics (MPs) in commercial fishes from the Palk Strait, Southeast India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastics in the tissues and guts of 75 commercially important fish from the Palk Strait in Southeast India, finding an average of 115 particles per individual. Fibers were the most common form at 51%, with polyethylene and polypropylene as the dominant polymers, and particle sizes ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 millimeters. The presence of microplastics in edible fish tissues suggests a potential route of human exposure through seafood consumption.
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.