Microplastic contained in gill, stomach and intestine of milkfish (Chanos chanos) and chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) at Rau Market, Serang City, Banten

Abstract

Microplastics are plastic particles <5mm from various sources. Fish contaminated by microplastics is a threat to food safety which microplastics contain toxicants. It is harmful to human health when consumed. Milkfish and Chub mackerel as consumption fish that can be easily found in some aquaculture ponds and marine water. The Previous study shows that microplastic content founded in the gill, stomach, and intestines. This study aims to determine microplastic content, microplastic abundance, and the correlation of organ weight with microplastic abundance in Milkfish and Chub mackerel. The methods used were descriptive qualitative. Milkfish and Chub mackerel samples were obtained from Rau Market, Serang City. The stages of the research carried with sampling, measuring, dissecting, dissolving, separating microplastic particles, filtering particles, and direct visual identification using a microscope. The results of the study found microplastics in the gills, intestines, and stomachs of milkfish and chub mackerel. In milkfish, most microplastic was found in the stomach (126 pieces), followed by the gill (111 pieces), and the intestine (65 pieces). While in chub mackerel, microplastics were mostly found in the gills (232 pieces, followed by the stomach (137 pieces), and the intestine (122 pieces). The types of microplastics found were fragments, films, and fibers. The number of microplastic types of fragments, films, and fibers with the colors of microplastics varied i.e. red, white, black, green, and yellow. There was no correlation between organ weight and microplastic abundance.