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Microplastics contamination in Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Indian Ocean
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All 35 yellowfin tuna sampled from the Indian Ocean contained microplastics in their gastrointestinal tracts, with an average of 2.77 particles per fish — 91% fibers and 56% polyethylene — at sizes ranging from 0.054 to 1.494 mm. A 100% ingestion rate in a commercially important, widely consumed fish species confirms pervasive microplastic contamination throughout the Indian Ocean food web and highlights direct implications for human dietary exposure.
Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), a major export fin fish species in the Indian Ocean, is a vital indicator of ocean health due to its migratory behaviour and exposure to pollution. Detecting microplastics (MPs) in yellowfin tuna can aid in conserving marine ecosystems and safeguarding tuna-dependent communities. The study assessed the sources and concentrations of microplastics in Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna. Thirty-five randomly selected fish from commercial catches were examined. MPs in their gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) were extracted using a modified potassium hydroxide (KOH) digestion protocol. Visual identification under a microscope recorded the number, shape, size and colour of MPs in each sample. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify polymer types. The average weight of the fish was 36.87±8.20 kg, and the average fork length was 131.54±9.36 cm, indicating that they were mature. MPs Ingestion rate was 100% with the mean microplastic particles per individual was 2.77 ± 1.81 items/individual. Fibres constituted 91%, and fragments comprised 6% of the MPs, with Polyethylene (PE) being the predominant type at 56%, followed by Nylon at 25%. Particle size ranged from 0.054 mm to 1.494 mm. This study demonstrates significant MP contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of yellowfin tuna, and highlights the need for further investigations using additional samples that account for seasonal and geographical variations in catches.
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Researchers dissected skipjack tuna from a West Aceh fishing port and detected microplastics in both flesh and digestive tracts, with fibers averaging 73 particles per gram in muscle tissue; FTIR analysis identified polyamide (nylon) — sourced from fishing gear — as the dominant polymer, indicating contamination of fish consumed by local coastal communities.
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Researchers analyzed yellowfin tuna from waters off Taiwan and found microplastic particles in their stomachs and gills, along with elevated levels of phthalate chemicals in their muscle tissue. Red muscle tissue contained significantly higher concentrations of phthalates than white muscle, with the stomach accumulating the most plastic particles. The findings raise concerns about human exposure to both microplastics and their associated chemicals through consumption of commercially important fish species.
Microplastic contamination in the Skipjack Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) collected from Southern Coast of Java, Indonesia
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Researchers examined the digestive tracts of skipjack tuna collected from the southern coast of Java, Indonesia, and found microplastics present in all sampled fish. The most common microplastics were fibers and fragments, primarily made of polyethylene and polypropylene. The findings raise concerns about microplastic contamination in commercially important fish species consumed by humans in the region.
Toxic tuna tales: Tracing microplastic pathways in mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis), longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol), and bullet tuna (Auxis rochei)
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Researchers examined 125 tuna from three species in Malaysian waters and found microplastics in their digestive tracts, gills, and edible muscle tissue. Fibers were the most common type, and male fish accumulated more microplastics than females. Since tuna is one of the most widely consumed fish globally, the presence of microplastics in edible muscle tissue raises direct concerns about human exposure through seafood.
Identification of Microplastic in the Digestive Tracts of Mackerel Tuna, Lemuru and Sea Water from Pangandaran, Indonesia
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Researchers examined the digestive tracts of mackerel tuna and lemuru fish from coastal waters in Pangandaran, Indonesia, and found microplastics in both species. Mackerel tuna contained mostly fragment-type microplastics while lemuru had primarily fiber-type particles, with polypropylene and polyester identified as the dominant polymer types. The study highlights the extent of microplastic contamination in commercially important fish species and the potential for human exposure through seafood consumption.
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