Microplastic Ingestion by Fishes from Jamuna River, Bangladesh

Abstract

Microplastics (MP) have been an evolving global concern by dint of the escalation of plastic pollution in the aquatic environment. However, few data document MP ingestion and accumulation in freshwater fauna as compared to marine organisms. This study investigates the prevalence of MPs in the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of 45 individuals belonging to seven commonly found Bangladeshi freshwater fish species with different feeding types (herbivore, carnivore, and omnivore). A total of 81 MP items of varying shapes were detected in 76% of individuals investigated, with an average abundance of 1.80±1.65 items/individual. Of these, fiber was identified as the most prevalent ingested MP type (70%) followed by film (14%), line (10%), fragment (4%), and foam (2%). Black-colored MPs were the most dominant (27%) followed by white (26%), blue (24%), red (17%), and green (6%). The results demonstrated a higher number of MPs in the carnivore (1.95 items/individual) and omnivore (1.85 items/individual) fish species as compared to herbivore fish species. Among carnivores, Wallago attu registered the highest amount of ingested MP items (3.5 items/individual), while Anguilla bengalensis registered the highest amount of ingested MP items (2.14 items/individual) among the omnivores. The amount of ingested MPs was significantly correlated (P<0.05) with body size, body weight, and gut weight, while an insignificant correlation (P>0.05) was found between the number of consumed MPs and trophic fractions. The results provide valuable insights into the prevalence of MPs in freshwater fish in Bangladesh and associated bioaccumulation through trophic transfer.

Microplastic Occurrences in Freshwater Fish of Bangladesh

“…However, Parvin et al [44] found no correlation with them based on the Turag and Balu River study. On the other hand, other studies of Bangladesh focusing on the Turag, Buriganga, Brahmaputra, Jamuna, Karnaphuli, and southwestern region have found a significant level of correlation between MP concentration and fish length and weight [45,47,55,61].…”

“…In the northern part of Bangladesh, Khan and Setu [55] first investigated the MP contamination in the fish species of the Jamuna River. In this investigation, 76% of the fish sample from the Jamuna River contained MPs contamination, with an average of 1.80 ± 1.65 per total fish.…”

Microplastics in fishes from the Meghna River estuary, Bangladesh

“…Possible uptakes routes of MPs in sh include confusion with food, accidental ingestion while feeding/drinking, and transfer via the food chain (Roch et al 2020). Marine organisms, ranging from planktivorous invertebrates to mammals, are susceptible to swallowing MPs because of their small size, shape or abundance (Nematollahi et (Khan and Setu 2022). Our study provides baseline data on the status of MPs uptake by shes and will be useful to improve our understanding about potential public health risks, especially for the one fth of the world's population who depend on sh and sheries products as the source of main animal protein.…”

Microplastics in Some Freshwater Wild and Farmed Fish Species of Bangladesh

“…The incidence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of 45 individuals belonging to seven widely found Bangladeshi freshwater sh species with various eating habits is investigated in a study (Khan and Setu, 2022). Davidson and Dudas (2016) rst studied the amount of microplastics found in wild and cultured Manila clams (Venerupis philippinarum).…”