We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Low incidence of plastic ingestion among three fish species significant for human consumption on the island of Newfoundland, Canada
AI summary Read the abstract
This study reported the first baselines of plastic ingestion in Atlantic cod, Atlantic salmon, and capelin from Newfoundland, Canada, finding a low but nonzero frequency of plastic ingestion in these commercially important fish. The data provides a starting point for tracking future changes in microplastic exposure in North Atlantic food fish.
Abstract This study reports the first baselines of plastic ingestion for three fish species that are common food fish in Newfoundland, Canada. Species collections occurred between 2015-2016 for Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua ), Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ), and capelin ( Mallotus villosus ). The frequency of occurrence (%FO) of plastic ingestion for both spawning Atlantic salmon ( n =69) and capelin ( n =350) was 0%. Of the 1,010 Atlantic cod collected over two years, 17 individuals had ingested plastics, a %FO of 1.68%. This is the only multi-year investigation of plastic ingestion in Atlantic cod for the Northwest Atlantic, and the first for capelin and salmon in the region. Considering the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of these fish species, this study is the beginning of a longitudinal study of plastic ingestion to detect future changes in contamination levels. Highlights Ingestion rate (%FO) of plastics in Atlantic cod is 1.68% Ingestion rate (%FO) of plastics in Atlantic salmon and capelin is 0% First study of plastic ingestion rates in Atlantic salmon and capelin Multi-year baseline of plastic ingestion in Atlantic cod in the Northwest Atlantic Plastic ingestion rates for three food fish species in Newfoundland, Canada, are low Terms Frequency of occurrence (%FO): the number of individuals in a population or group that have ingested plastics (not indicative of the number of particles ingested per individual)
More Papers Like This
Low plastic ingestion rate in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from Newfoundland destined for human consumption collected through citizen science methods
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined Atlantic cod from Newfoundland and found a low rate of plastic ingestion compared to studies of other species and regions, suggesting that plastic ingestion rates vary substantially by species, habitat, and local pollution levels.
Low plastic ingestion rate in Atlantic Cod ( Gadus morhua ) from Newfoundland destined for human consumption collected through citizen science methods
AI summary Read the abstract
This citizen science study sampled 205 Atlantic cod destined for human consumption in Newfoundland and found that only 5 (2.4 percent) had eaten plastic — a lower ingestion rate than reported for many other fish species. The authors discuss whether cod feeding behavior or the sampling context explains this low rate and note implications for human dietary exposure.
An analysis of ingested microplastics found in offshore Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and inshore capelin (Mallotus villosus) using scientific and citizen science methods
AI summary Read the abstract
A study examined microplastic ingestion in offshore Atlantic cod and inshore capelin from Newfoundland, Canada, using both scientific laboratory methods and citizen science approaches. The research expands the list of North Atlantic fish species documented to ingest plastic pollution and tests the viability of community-based monitoring.
Newfoundland destined for human consumption collected
AI summary Read the abstract
Using citizen science during the recreational cod fishery in Newfoundland, researchers found that 2.4% of Atlantic cod sampled had eaten plastic—the second lowest ingestion rate reported in the scientific literature. This is the first documentation of plastic ingestion in fish from Newfoundland, where fisheries are economically and culturally vital.
A zero percent plastic ingestion rate by silver hake ( Merluccius bilinearis ) from the south coast of Newfoundland, Canada
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined 134 silver hake from Newfoundland and found a zero percent rate of plastic ingestion using visual examination and Raman spectrometry, consistent with 41% of globally reported fish ingestion studies also finding zero percent rates. The authors argue that zero ingestion rates should be reported consistently alongside positive findings to give a complete picture of plastic uptake variation across fish species and habitats.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.