Diet Analysis and Presence of Microplastics in Smallmouth Bass in the Susquehanna River

Microplastics are an emerging concern in freshwater systems for fish and other organisms, and the presence of them may impact the diet of freshwater fish. A diet analysis was performed amongst Smallmouth Bass, Micropterus dolomieu collected from the central portion of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries. We examined frequency of occurrence, percent composition by number of organisms present and inspected stomachs for the presence of microplastics (plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in length). The stomachs of 36 Susquehanna River originated Smallmouth Bass were examined for evidence of accumulation of microplastics. Diet analysis thus far indicates a variety of forage (Cambaridae, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Diptera) being consumed by Smallmouth Bass. Analysis for the presence of microplastics will be conducted with a wet peroxide oxidation procedure. Previous research using this method found that microplastics had a high level of occurrence (83%) in Smallmouth Bass stomachs. Our study will help increase the knowledge base of the what Smallmouth Bass consume in their diet and the presence and concentration of microplastics in freshwater fish species found in the Susquehanna River.