Investigation of Presence of Microplastics in Commercially Edible Fishes and Various Drinking Water Sources

Abstract

Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestine) of commonly consumed commercial edible fishes, namely Labeo rohita, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Oreochromis mossambicus, Pampas argenteus, and Nemipterus virgatus, as well as in different water sources.

Methods: The commercial edible fishes mentioned above were obtained and dissected in the laboratory. The dissection procedure and identification of the gastrointestinal tract parts were conducted following the methodology described by Jennifer Luke et al. ( 2009).

Results: The study, conducted from June to September 2023, revealed the presence of microplastics in the examined fishes and different water sources. The results showed that Labeo rohita had 36 (20.34%) microplastics, Rastrelliger kanagurt had 32 (18.08%), Oreochromis mossambicus had 28 (15.82%), Pampas argenteus had 48 (27.12%), and Nemipterus virgatus had 33 (18.64%). In terms of water sources, municipal water had 3 microplastics, RO water had 2, canal water had 21, and bottled water had 11. The variations in the number of microplastics could be attributed to differences in food habits, water quality, and the level of microplastic pollution. The presence of microplastic pollution in canal water and bottled water could be due to high pollution sources and improper processing of water bottles.

Conclusion: The study found high levels of microplastic pollution in Pampas argenteus from marine ecosystems, followed by Labeo rohita from freshwater ecosystems. The presence of microplastics in canal water and bottled water indicates a significant level of plastic pollution in both marine and freshwater ecosystems. This highlights the need for awareness and understanding of the extent of plastic pollution that we are exposed to through our food, water, and other means.