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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Plastic for dinner? Observations of frequent debris ingestion by pelagic predatory fishes from the central North Pacific
ClearFrom prey to predators: Evidence of microplastic trophic transfer in tuna and large pelagic species in the southwestern Tropical Atlantic
Researchers found evidence of microplastic trophic transfer from prey to tuna and large pelagic predators in the southwestern Tropical Atlantic, demonstrating that plastic contamination moves through marine food chains to economically important fish species.
Plastic ingestion and trophic transfer in an endangered top predator, the longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus), from the tropical western Pacific Ocean
This study documented plastic ingestion and trophic transfer in longfin mako sharks from the tropical western Pacific, finding plastics in both the stomach contents and prey items of this endangered species, demonstrating that microplastic contamination reaches apex marine predators through trophic pathways.
First evidence of presence of plastic debris in stomach of large pelagic fish in the Mediterranean Sea
Researchers examined stomach contents of large predatory fish including swordfish and bluefin tuna caught in the Mediterranean Sea and found plastic debris in about 18% of the specimens. The ingested plastics ranged from tiny microplastics to large fragments, and were primarily polyethylene and polyester. This is the first study documenting plastic ingestion in large pelagic Mediterranean fish, suggesting that even top ocean predators are exposed to plastic pollution.
How plastic debris and associated chemicals impact the marine food web: A review.
This review examined how plastic debris and associated chemicals disrupt marine food webs at all trophic levels, from physical entanglement and false satiation in megafauna to microplastic ingestion and chemical transfer through trophic magnification, concluding that plastic contamination poses systemic threats to marine ecosystem function.
Microplastic characterization in the stomachs of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from the western Mediterranean Sea
Researchers analyzed the stomachs of 49 swordfish from the western Mediterranean Sea and found microplastics in 80% of them, predominantly small fibers made of polyethylene terephthalate. Comparing samples from two time periods showed that the frequency of microplastic ingestion increased over time, rising from about 70% to 90% of fish examined. The study highlights growing microplastic exposure in large predatory fish that are widely consumed by humans.
Ingestion of plastic by fish destined for human consumption in remote South Pacific Islands
Plastic was found in the digestive tracts of 24 fish species collected from local fishermen and markets across remote South Pacific islands, with species consuming plastic regardless of feeding guild. The results raise public health concerns for Pacific island communities where fish is a dietary staple and plastic marine debris is widespread.
Microplastics Contamination of Large Pelagic Fish in the Open Atlantic Ocean
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in large pelagic fish including tunas, mackerels, and amberjacks collected from the open Atlantic Ocean to assess plastic exposure in top predators. They found microplastics present in fish from even remote open-ocean habitats, demonstrating the ubiquity of microplastic contamination and the utility of large migratory fish as indicators of ocean health.
Double trouble in the South Pacific subtropical gyre: Increased plastic ingestion by fish in the oceanic accumulation zone
Commercial fish species from the South Pacific, collected from both oceanic accumulation zones and island markets, were found to have plastic in their digestive tracts, with higher ingestion rates in fish from the oceanic gyre. The results raise food safety concerns for Pacific island communities that rely heavily on locally caught fish.
Microplastic intake in epi- and mesopelagic fish and squid species from an oceanic environment (NE Atlantic)
Researchers investigated microplastic ingestion in epi- and mesopelagic fish and squid species from the open NE Atlantic Ocean, documenting contamination in oceanic species that may confuse microplastics with similarly sized and colored planktonic prey.
Ingestion of plastic marine debris by longnose lancetfish (Alepisaurus ferox) in the Hawaiʻi-based shallow-set longline fishery
Researchers examined plastic marine debris ingested by longnose lancetfish caught as bycatch in the Hawaii-based longline fishery, finding these predatory open-ocean fish regularly consume plastic. The study documented the presence, type, and abundance of plastics in this species and whether their preferred prey was associated with plastic ingestion rates.
Does the microplastics ingestion patterns and polymer composition vary across the oceanic zones? A case study from the Indian coast
Researchers examined microplastic ingestion in 27 species of deep-sea fish from the Central Indian Ocean and found contamination in 19 of them, with PET being the most common polymer. The study suggests that feeding behavior, rather than habitat depth or trophic level, is the primary factor influencing how much microplastic deep-sea fish ingest, and proposes these fish could serve as indicators for monitoring deep-sea plastic pollution.
Frequency of Microplastics in Mesopelagic Fishes from the Northwest Atlantic
Microplastics were found in the stomachs of mesopelagic fish collected from the Northwest Atlantic, with ingestion rates and particle types varying by species and depth. The study expands the known distribution of microplastic ingestion into deep-water fish communities, suggesting that plastic contamination has penetrated even mid-water food webs far from the surface.
Ingestion of microplastics by fish and other prey organisms of cetaceans, exemplified for two large baleen whale species
Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination in the prey species of minke and sei whales, finding microplastics were widespread in krill, fish, and other whale food. Since cetaceans consume large quantities of these prey, they are likely ingesting significant amounts of microplastics indirectly through their diet.
Ingestion of plastic by fish destined for human consumption in remote South Pacific islands
Researchers documented plastic ingestion in 24 fish species caught for human consumption in the remote South Pacific, finding plastic in fish from both local markets and fishermen's catches. The study raises concerns about microplastic transfer up the food chain to humans who eat these fish.
Bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of microplastics in oceanic food webs
Researchers quantified microplastic bioaccumulation and trophic transfer across food web levels in the Laccadive Sea, Western Indian Ocean, from zooplankton through top predators. Microplastics were found in 95% of samples, with highest concentrations in predatory fish like swordfish (832 items/individual), demonstrating substantial biomagnification across trophic levels.
Trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of nanoplastics in Coryphaena hippurus (Mahi-mahi) and effect of depuration
Researchers studied how nanoplastics transfer through the food chain to mahi-mahi fish larvae via contaminated rotifers. The study found significant nanoplastic accumulation primarily in the gut, with some particles translocating to other body parts and persisting even after a depuration period, along with evidence of intestinal tissue damage in the larvae.
Plastic ingestion by pelagic and demersal fish from the North Sea and Baltic Sea
Researchers examined gastrointestinal tracts of 290 North and Baltic Sea fish and detected plastic in 5.5% of individuals, with pelagic species like herring and mackerel ingesting plastic at three times the rate of bottom-dwelling cod and flounder, and polyethylene making up nearly 40% of identified polymer types.
Microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres in large apex shark species: Abundance, characteristics, and recommendations for future research
This study provided the first investigation of microplastics and microfibres in large apex shark species, documenting their presence and characteristics across multiple species. The results confirm that microplastic contamination extends to marine megafauna at the top of the food web.
The influences of spatial-temporal variability and ecological drivers on microplastic in marine fish in Hong Kong
Researchers found that over 57% of marine fish in Hong Kong waters contained microplastics, with higher abundance in fish from more polluted western waters during the wet season, and that omnivorous fish ingested significantly more microplastics than carnivorous fish regardless of collection location or season.
Plastic pollution and ocean giants: Investigating the extent and impacts of plastic ingestion by marine megafauna
This review examined the extent to which large ocean-going animals such as whales and whale sharks ingest and are harmed by plastic pollution, synthesizing data from stranding records and feeding observations. The evidence indicates that plastic ingestion is widespread among ocean giants, with documented cases of mortality and sublethal effects.
Trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of nanoplastics in Coryphaena hippurus (mahi-mahi) and effect of depuration
Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics transfer through the food chain to mahi-mahi fish larvae by first exposing rotifers to the particles and then feeding them to the larvae. Significant nanoplastic transfer and accumulation were observed, primarily in the gut, with some particles translocating to areas containing vital organs like the heart and liver. A depuration study showed that while larvae could excrete substantial amounts, notable quantities remained retained, and intestinal tissue damage was observed.
Microplastics in the Indian Ocean: a review of the ingestion and trophic transfer in commercial pelagic fish
This review examined microplastic ingestion and trophic transfer in the Indian Ocean, synthesizing evidence that MPs accumulate across marine food webs from zooplankton to large fish and marine mammals, and estimating the dietary MP exposure of human consumers of Indian Ocean seafood.
Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing
Researchers compiled data from studies covering over 171,000 individual fish across 555 species and found that plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing over time. A total of 386 species were documented to have ingested plastic debris, including 210 commercially important species. The study suggests that as plastic pollution grows, the proportion of marine fish species affected by plastic ingestion will continue to rise globally.
Ingestion of Microplastics by Zooplankton in the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Researchers collected zooplankton from the northeast Pacific Ocean and found microplastics ingested by multiple species, demonstrating that microplastic uptake occurs throughout the open ocean zooplankton community far from coastlines.