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Microplastics contamination in wild populations of freshwater fish Alburnus alburnus from the Danube River: ecological implications and bioindicator potential
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Microplastics were detected in 51% of wild common bleak fish from the Danube River, with longer fish more likely to contain particles and fish with lower body condition more frequently affected, suggesting real-world ecological impacts even at low exposure levels. Common bleak's feeding behavior makes it a valuable bioindicator for freshwater microplastic monitoring, with implications for human health given its role in regional food chains.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants in freshwater ecosystems; however, field-based evidence linking the ingestion of MPs to biological conditions in wild fish remains limited. This study examined the occurrence of MPs, polymer composition, and associated biological parameters in wild populations of common bleak (Alburnus alburnus) from two sites along the Serbian stretch of the Danube River. The gastrointestinal tracts of 61 individuals were analyzed using visual inspection, chemical digestion, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and results were integrated with biological parameters. Microplastics were detected in 51% of specimens, with 1 to 3 particles per individual. Four polymer types were identified (polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene–vinyl acetate, and polyamide). Generalized linear models showed that MPs abundance differed between sites, while MPs occurrence was primarily associated with biological parameters. Longer individuals had a higher probability of MPs presence, whereas lower body weight relative to length and reduced Fulton’s condition factor were consistently associated with MPs occurrence. Although the average MPs load (~ 0.5 particles per fish) was well below laboratory toxicity thresholds, observed associations indicate ecological relevance under natural exposure conditions. Due to its pelagic feeding behavior and rapid response to suspended particles, A. alburnus represents a sensitive bioindicator for monitoring MPs contamination in large river systems.
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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.