07 Ara 2024 Cumartesi
Assessment of microplastic contamination in fish from the coast of Mangrol, Gujarat, India
Abstract : This study aimed to investigate microplastic pollution in the coast of Mangrol, Gujarat, India, by examining four common species of fish (Formio niger, Atropus atropus, Megalaspis cordyla, and Rastrelliger kanagurta) for microplastics in their digestive tracts. The stomach and intestines of the fish were removed and placed in a solution containing 10% (w/v) KOH. This was followed by an incubation period of 24 hours at a temperature of 60 °C. Results showed that 47% of the specimens had ingested microplastics, with an average of 1.07 pieces per specimen. Fibers were the most abundant type of microplastic found, with blue being the dominant colour. Rastrelliger kanagurta was found to be the most contaminated fish, with an average of 1.53 ± 0.31 MP/individual. Overall, microplastic contamination in fish was found to be low. These findings provide important insights into the state of microplastic pollution in the marine environment and its potential impact on marine biota in the Mangrol coast.