We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A new digestion approach for the extraction of microplastics from gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of the common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) from the western Mediterranean Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a novel combined KOH and nitric acid digestion protocol for extracting microplastics from the gastrointestinal tracts of marine fish, and validated it on common dolphinfish from the western Mediterranean Sea. The method improved detection of small MPs, with 65.5% of dolphinfish containing meso- and microplastic fragments and sheets predominantly composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
Plastic ingestion is one of the main impacts of marine litter on organisms. The occurrence of microplastics (MPs < 5 mm) in the stomachs of Mediterranean species was already reported in several studies. In this context, the present study aims to develop a new approach of digestion for the identification of MPs in the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of marine organisms. The new approach combines two digestion protocols, including potassium hydroxide (KOH) and nitric acid (HNO), to remove most organic and inorganic materials. This digestion allows recording small MPs that are difficult to find via routinely stomach content analysis and also to minimize the overestimation of the phenomenon trough the control of airborne contamination. The new approach was tested on a voracious pelagic opportunistic predator, the common dolphinfish, a fishery resource exploited in several Mediterranean areas. The results showed that a large amount of ingested meso- and microplastics, such as fragments or sheets, was recorded in GITs (F = 65.5 %). The FTIR analysis on litter samples allowed to identify polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene as dominant constituent polymers of microplastics. These results confirmed that our novel combined digestion protocol represents a reliable approach to detect MPs in opportunistic pelagic predators.
More Papers Like This
Methods of digestion, isolation and identification of microplastics present in the fish gut content
AI summary Read the abstract
This study evaluated four digestion methods for isolating microplastics from fish gut contents, finding that a combination of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid was most effective while preserving particle structure. Microplastic particles were found in the digestive tracts of all analyzed fish from Croatian freshwater and marine ecosystems, highlighting the widespread contamination of aquatic food sources.
First account of microplastics in pelagic sporting dolphinfish from the eastern Mexican coast of Baja California Sur
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers provided the first account of microplastics in pelagic sporting dolphinfish from the eastern Mexican coast of Baja California Sur, finding MP particles in the gastrointestinal tracts of sampled fish, confirming contamination in this commercially important species.
A comparison of new and conventional methods for isolating microplastics ingested by fish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers proposed a new, simplified method for extracting microplastics ingested by fish using acid digestion followed by filtration, and compared it to conventional techniques. The new procedure was found to be faster and simpler while recovering multiple common polymer types effectively.
Improved methodology for microplastic extraction from gastrointestinal tracts of fat fish species
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers improved microplastic extraction from fatty fish tissues by adding a small amount of the surfactant Tween-20 to potassium hydroxide digestion protocols, which disrupts the soap layer that forms during fat digestion and significantly increases microplastic recovery rates.
Microplastics in a pelagic dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the implications for fish health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in 15 wild-caught dolphinfish from the Eastern Pacific Ocean and found microplastics in 100% of the fish studied, averaging 9.3 particles per individual. Particles were detected across gills, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and muscle tissue, with polyester and PET being the most common polymer types. Molecular docking analysis suggested that dominant microplastic polymers could interact with key cellular proteins, indicating potential health implications for both the fish and humans who consume them.
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.