We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic ingestion by fish: Body size, condition factor and gut fullness are not related to the amount of plastics consumed
Summary
Researchers examined microplastic ingestion in commercial cod and saithe collected in Iceland, finding particles in about 20% of cod and 17% of saithe stomachs. No significant relationship was found between microplastic ingestion and fish body size, weight, gut fullness, or condition index.
This study investigates the frequency of microplastic (MP) ingestion and the relationship between microplastics in the guts of two commercial fish species in Iceland (cod; Gadus morhua and saithe; Pollachius virens) and the weight, length, gut fullness, and condition index (CI) of the fish. MPs were found in 20.5% of the cod (n = 39) and 17.4% of the saithe (n = 46). There was no significant correlation between gut fullness nor CI and findings of MPs, indicating that, especially in large individuals, MPs are not retained to a large extent, and if so, the CI is most likely not affected. A difference was found in fish length between fish containing plastic and fish without plastics. Further studies such as this must be conducted in all water ecosystems if we are to fully understand the impact that MP's are having at the individual, population, species, and ecosystem levels.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Effect of biological and environmental factors on microplastic ingestion of commercial fish species
Researchers analyzed microplastic ingestion in commercially important fish species, evaluating how biological and environmental factors influence ingestion rates across 2,222 individual fish. The study assessed gastrointestinal tract contents to determine the extent and patterns of microplastic contamination. The findings suggest that both species-specific biology and environmental conditions play important roles in determining microplastic ingestion levels in commercial fish.
Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of microplastic prevalence and abundance in freshwater fish species: the effect of fish species habitat, feeding behavior, and Fulton’s condition factor
A meta-analysis of freshwater fish across 42 studies found an average of 2.35 microplastic items per individual, with 80% of research focused on the gastrointestinal tract and 58% on river environments. Contrary to expectations, microplastic ingestion correlated with fish body physiology (size and weight) rather than feeding behavior or habitat, suggesting physical characteristics determine uptake more than ecological niche.
Plastic in digestive tracts and gills of cod and herring from the Baltic Sea
Researchers found plastic particles in the digestive tracts and gills of Baltic Sea cod and herring, with ingestion rates and particle types differing between the two species, indicating widespread exposure of commercially important fish to plastic pollution.
Plastic density as a key factor in the presence of microplastic in the gastrointestinal tract of commercial fishes from Campeche Bay, Mexico
Researchers found microplastics in 316 particles across 240 gastrointestinal tracts from six commercially consumed fish species in Campeche Bay, Mexico, with average ingestion of 1.31 MPs per fish, and found that fish feeding in mid-water column tended to ingest denser polymer types reflecting their depth distribution.
Fish size influences microplastic occurrence in target organs
Researchers examined whether fish body size affects microplastic occurrence in target organs, moving beyond gut content analysis to assess systemic tissue contamination. Larger fish contained more microplastics in their organs than smaller fish, suggesting size-dependent differences in cumulative lifetime exposure.