Presence and characterization of microplastics in fish of commercial importance from the Biobio region in central Chile

Pozo, Karla; Gomez, Victoria; Torres, Mariett; Vera, Luciano; Nuñez, Dariela; Oyarzún, Patricio; Mendoza, Gonzalo; Clarke, Bradley; Fossi, Maria Cristina; Baini, Matteo; P?ibylová, Petra; Klánová, Jana

Keywords: chile, ftir, Microplastics, Biobio region, Microfibers, Fish species

Abstract

In this study we have identified and characterized microplastic particles (MPs) found in six fish species of commercial importance in central Chile. The fish species belong to different trophic levels and were obtained from the oceanic and coastal habitats. To analyze MPs, the fish gastrointestinal content was extracted, analyzed and characterized using a microscopy equipped with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The MPs found in fish samples were mainly constituted by red microfibers (70–100%) with sizes ranging between 176 and 2842 μm. Polyester, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were identified as the prevalent polymers detected. The coastal species showed the presence of microfibers with a higher size and abundance (71%) compared to oceanic species (29%), suggesting there is a greater exposure risk. These findings are consistent with results found in other investigations worldwide. However, further research is still needed to accurately establish the potential exposure risk for the public consuming these fish and the impact of MPs in the Chilean fishery activities.

Más información

Título de la Revista: MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
Volumen: 140
Editorial: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Fecha de publicación: 2019
Página de inicio: 315
Página final: 319
Idioma: Ingles
URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X19300359?casa_token=0q5xlN6Vs4MAAAAA:6AIEuLYzWxep3iwq3F6NaixvxV9BWxIm-430l4Q0Ypm4-6YuQoFdIMpnJxcHDoigOdnIxi8
Notas: ISI, Scopus