We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in mussels and fish from the Northern Ionian Sea
Summary
Microplastics were found in 46.25% of mussels and in all three fish species (sardine, pandora, red mullet) sampled from the Northern Ionian Sea, with 1.5–2.0 items per individual across species and fibers as the most abundant form. The study establishes baseline microplastic contamination data for commercially important Mediterranean seafood species in Greek waters.
Microplastic ingestion by marine organisms presents an emerging threat to marine ecosystems; microplastics in different marine species are currently reported worldwide. This study aims to assess microplastic ingestion in four, highly commercial, marine species from Greek waters in the Northern Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). Microplastics were found in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and all three fish species (Sardina pilchardus, Pagellus erythrinus, Mullus barbatus) examined. The frequency of occurrence of ingested microplastics was 46.25% in mussels, while among fish species, S. pilchardus showed the highest frequency of microplastic ingestion (47.2%). Microplastic abundance ranged from 1.7-2 items/individual in mussels and from 1.5-1.9 items/individual in fish. The majority of ingested microplastics were fragments, while their color and size varied. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated polyethylene as the most common polymer type in mussels and fish. Results can be used to set baseline levels for the assessment of microplastic pollution in the Ionian Sea.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic occurrence in the gastrointestinal tract and gill of bioindicator fish species in the northeastern Mediterranean
Four commercial fish species from the northeastern Mediterranean were examined for microplastic presence in gastrointestinal tracts and gills, with plastics found in all species and fiber being the most common type. The results add to growing evidence that microplastic ingestion is routine for commercially harvested Mediterranean fish.
Microplastics occurrence in edible fish species (Mullus barbatus and Merluccius merluccius) collected in three different geographical sub-areas of the Mediterranean Sea
Researchers examined the gastrointestinal tracts of 229 demersal fish from two Mediterranean species across three geographic sub-areas, finding microplastics in a significant portion of individuals with fibers as the dominant type. The study contributes to growing evidence that microplastic ingestion is widespread in commercially fished Mediterranean species.
Abundance and ecological risk of microplastics in commercial fish species from northeastern Mediterranean Sea
Researchers examined nine commercially important fish species from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea and found microplastics in both their digestive tracts and gills. The most common particles were small polyethylene and polypropylene fibers, and bottom-dwelling fish species had higher contamination levels. While the ecological risk was rated low to medium, the presence of microplastics in widely consumed fish species highlights a potential pathway for human exposure through seafood.
Microplastics in fillets of Mediterranean seafood. A risk assessment study
Researchers analyzed fillets of several common Mediterranean seafood species for microplastic contamination and estimated the associated human dietary exposure. They detected microplastics in the edible tissue of all species tested, including sardines, sea bream, and mussels. The study provides risk estimates suggesting that regular seafood consumption represents a notable pathway for human microplastic ingestion.
Microplastics’ Occurrence in Edible Fish Species (Mullus barbatus and M. surmuletus) from an Italian Marine Protected Area
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts and livers of red mullet species (Mullus barbatus and M. surmuletus) from a Marine Protected Area in the Ionian Sea, finding microplastics in over 60% of specimens at an average of three items per fish. ATR-FTIR and pyrolysis-GC/MS identified the dominant polymer types, with red mullets showing nearly twice the contamination levels of striped red mullets.