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Microplastic ingestion by Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) in the Canary Islands coast
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Researchers examined 120 Atlantic chub mackerel from the Canary Islands and found that 78.3 percent had microplastics in their digestive tracts. Fibers were the most common type of microplastic found, followed by plastic fragments and paint particles. The study represents the first investigation of microplastic contamination in fish from the Northwest African upwelling system, suggesting that this commercially important species could serve as an indicator for microplastic pollution in the region.
In recent years, due to the increasing concerns about their negative impact on wildlife and possible toxicity to living organisms (including humans), microplastics have become the subject of intense investigations. In the ocean, microplastics can be easily ingested by numerous marine organisms because of their small size (<5 mm). The Northwest African upwelling system is an important fishery area, and the present study is the first one in the region to reveal the presence of microplastic particles in the digestive tract of Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias). From the 120 examined fish gastrointestinal tracts, 78.3% contained some type of microplastics, 74.2% contained fibres, 17.5% plastic fragments, and 16.7% paint. More studies are needed on fish, but S. colias is a candidate for being a good indicator of microplastic contamination in the region.
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Microplastics in the stomach content of the commercial fish species Scomber colias in the Gulf of Cadiz, SW Europe
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Scientists examined the stomachs of 104 Atlantic chub mackerel from the Gulf of Cadiz and found that over 90% contained microplastics, with an average of about 5 particles per fish. Fibers made up 91% of the microplastics found, and the most common polymer was polyamide (nylon). Since this mackerel species is widely consumed by people, the consistent presence of microplastics in their stomachs raises questions about how much plastic is transferred to humans through seafood.
Anthropogenic Particle Ingestion in Atlantic Chub Mackerel (Scomber colias Gmelin, 1789) from the Saronikos Gulf: Occurrence, Characteristics, and Biological Associations
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Researchers examined 179 Atlantic chub mackerel from the Saronikos Gulf and found anthropogenic particles — predominantly microfibers — in 74% of gastrointestinal tracts and 41% of muscle tissue samples, with no significant differences by sex, season, or fish size, establishing this species as a potential bioindicator for marine particle pollution monitoring.
Microplastic ingestion by Atlantic mackerel and blue whiting in Icelandic waters
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Researchers found that Atlantic mackerel and blue whiting in Icelandic waters had ingested microplastics, with fibres being the dominant type found. The study suggests these commercially important fish species are exposed to microplastics throughout their feeding range in the North Atlantic.
Microplastic distribution in different tissues of small pelagic fish of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean
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Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in three commercially important fish species from the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, finding plastic particles in the gut, gills, and muscle tissue. Horse mackerel had the highest contamination rates, with 92 percent of individuals containing microplastics in their digestive tract and 63 percent in their muscle. Since these fish are widely consumed by people, the presence of microplastics in edible muscle tissue is a direct concern for human dietary exposure.
Ingestion of microplastics by pelagic fish from the Moroccan Central Atlantic coast
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Researchers found microplastics in the stomachs of three small pelagic fish species caught along the Moroccan Central Atlantic coast, confirming plastic ingestion in commercially important species in a region where marine litter is predominantly plastic. The study adds to growing evidence of microplastic contamination in North African Atlantic fisheries.
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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.