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Analysis and inorganic composition of microplastics in commercial Malaysian fish meals
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Three Malaysian commercial fish meal brands were analyzed for microplastic content, with 64.3% of extracted particles confirmed as plastics (mainly polyester and polyamide fragments) and trace metal contaminants identified by EDX spectroscopy. The findings indicate that cultured organisms fed these meals could be exposed to microplastics and associated inorganic pollutants.
Presence of microplastics (MPs) in a broad range of wild and cultured marine organisms is well-documented, but transfer mechanisms by which cultured organisms are contaminated with MPs is poorly understood. MP loads in three Malaysian commercial brands of fish meal were investigated. Chemical composition of extracted MP-like particles was confirmed using micro-Raman spectroscopy. Inorganic composition of MPs and pigment particles were assessed through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Out of 336 extracted particles, 64.3% were plastic polymers, 25% pigment particles, 4.2% non-plastic items, and 6.5% were unidentified. Fragments were the dominant form of MPs (78.2%) followed by filaments (13.4%) and films (8.4%). This study demonstrates that cultured organisms could be exposed to high levels of MPs via MP contaminated fish/shellfish used in fish meal production. Fish meal replacement with other sources of protein including meat meals and plant-based meals may mitigate MP exposure to cultured or farmed organisms.
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Analysis and inorganic composition of microplastics in commercial Malaysian fish meals
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Microplastics in fish meal: Contamination level analyzed by polymer type, including polyester (PET), polyolefins, and polystyrene
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Fish meal produced from wild-caught fish was analyzed for microplastic contamination by polymer type, finding widespread contamination including fiber shapes and diverse polymer compositions. The study raised concerns about microplastic transfer into aquaculture and intensive animal farming through fish meal used as a high-protein feed ingredient.
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