"Mikroplastika u probavilima trlje od blata, Mullus barbatus (Linnaeus, 1758), bukve, Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758) i mola, Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758) na području južnog Jadrana"

In the present study the frequency of microplastic occurrence in intestine of red mullet, Mullus barbatus (Linnaeus, 1758), bogue, Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758) and European hake, Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758) in the south Adriatic, was researched. Additionally, length-weight relationships, condition factor, feeding habits were also determined. During the study, a total of 107 samples were analysed, 38 individuals of red mullet, 42 bogue and 27 European hake. The average length oft he red mullet was 17.07 ± 1.46 cm, oft he bogue 16.79 ± 1.40 cm, and of the European hake 24.22± 2.75 cm. The average weight of the red mullet was 51.14 ± 15.17 g, of the bogue 48.63 ± 12.08 g and of the European hake 95.53 ± 43.76 g. In total sample of red mullet and bogue females were dominated, while in the sample of European hake males dominate. The length-weight relationship of red mullet showed a negative allometric growth for total sample (b = 2,687) and for females (b = 2,627) while males (b = 3,254) had positive alometric growth. The total sample (b = 2,491), as well as males (b = 2,441) and females (b = 2,616) of bogue, showed a negative alometric growth. The whole population of European hake shows a positive alometric growth. Condition factor for all three species is calculated. The average value of condition factor for red mullet was 1.01, bogue 1.00 and for European hake 0.63. In the diet of red mullet and the European hake dominant prey were decapod larvae (Decapoda) and shrimp (Penaeidae) and in the bogue Amphipods and decapod larvae (Decapoda). Particles resembling microplastics were found in a total of 7 individuals; 5 bogue and 3 individuals of the European hake. To determine with certainty that it is a microplastics, and to find out its origin, further laboratory analyses are needed.