No abstract

Microplastics (< 5 mm) are widespread within the marine environment, posing a major threat to marine biota. The aim of the present study was to investigate microplastic contamination in three widespread and highly commercial fish from the coast of Lima, Peru. Peruvian silverside (Odontesthes regia), Peruvian morwong (Cheilodactylus variegatus), and Peruvian grunt (Anisotremus scapularis) specimens were caught off the coast of Lima. Fish stomach and intestines were extracted and submerged in 10% (w/v) KOH, followed by 24 h incubation at 60 °C. The resulting supernatant solution was vacuum filtrated and filters were then observed under an optical microscope and stereomicroscope. Strict quality control and external contamination prevention measures were taken. Microplastic abundance, type and color were recorded. Quality control measures resulted in reduced external contamination. C. variegatus was the most contaminated fish (5.13 ± 0.81 MP/individual), similar to A. scapularis (5.00 ± 0.46 MP/individual), but significantly different to O. regia (0.43 ± 0.11 MP/individual). Fibers were the overall most abundant microplastic type, while blue the dominant color. Results indicated highly contaminated fish, compared to those from other parts of the SE Pacific. Microplastic ingestion by C. variegatus and A. scapularis may be subject to trophic transfer from their natural prey. Highly populated cities and poor solid waste management may contribute to worsen microplastic ingestion by native marine species. The need for further research and a marine microplastic monitoring program was discussed.

Microplastic (< 5 mm) pollution have raised concern on behalf of the scientific community and the general public. Microplastic occurrence in aquatic environments and organisms have been well documented. However, it is in recent years that the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics have begun to be studied. The aim of the present study was to review, evaluate and discuss the current state of art regarding microplastic and related contaminants ecotoxicological effects in microalgae, crustaceans, molluscs and fish. The results of previous studies have proven growth inhibition and chlorophyll-a decrease in microalgae. Ingestion by small crustaceans and population reduction have been evidenced. Biomarkers in bivalves and fish have shown neurotoxic effects and oxidative stress, along with abnormal behavior. The current state of art lacks realistic parameters and microplastic concentrations to assess environmental pollution. The need for further research was discussed.