Microplastics distribution and possible ingestion by fish in lacustrine waters (Lake Bracciano, Italy)

Abstract

Understanding the spatial distribution patterns of microplastics (plastics < 5 mm) contributes to the assessment of sources and sinks of pollution thus providing information for the management of biota safety and overall ecosystem functionality. We chose a semi-closed study area, Lake Bracciano (Italy), to assess the environmental variability of contamination, focusing on the water compartment and the exposure of biota, specifically fish, by analysing the ingestion of microplastics. The focus of this study is to evaluate the concentration of microplastics in water (surface and column) across the lake and the ingestion of microplastics by two fish species of economic interest: Atherina boyeri and Coregonus lavaretus, inhabiting demersal and pelagic habitats respectively. Results show a surface contamination of 392,000 ± 417,000 items km −2 and a column one of 0.76 ± 1.00 items m −3 . Fragments were the most abundant in surface while fibres in the column. Microplastics were found in C. lavaretus specimens, corresponding to contamination frequency of 5% and concentration of 0.15 items/ fish. The main polymer found in water was polyethylene (81%); of minor percentages, there were various other polymers, including polystyrene and acrylic, which were also found in fish. As scientific literature provides few research where water and fish are simultaneously sampled, this investigation wants to contribute filling this knowledge gap by investigating for the first time a volcanic lake.

<i>Carassius auratus</i> as a bioindicator of the health status of Lake Trasimeno and risk assessment for consumers

“…The use of goldfish as a bioindicator showed that not even the waters of Lake Trasimeno are free from MPs. Overall, the registered level of abundance is slightly higher than the one found in other Italian lakes, such as Lake Bracciano (Cera et al ., 2022 ), albeit the study considered different fish species (mean abundance 0.16±0.67 for Atherina boyeri and 0.05±0.40 for Coregonus lavaretus ). Concerning C. auratus , a Chinese study registered a higher MPs abundance, from 0 to 18 items/fish, and reported that the relatively higher MP abundance might be attributed to the high level of pollution in the surrounding environment.…”

“…Concerning C. auratus , a Chinese study registered a higher MPs abundance, from 0 to 18 items/fish, and reported that the relatively higher MP abundance might be attributed to the high level of pollution in the surrounding environment. MPs are a complex, persistent contaminant class consisting of an array of sizes, polymers, colors, and morphologies and may act as vectors for pathogens, additive chemicals such as pigments, plasticizers, or flame retardants, and other concerning contaminants that could be adsorbed from the surrounding environment (Cera et al ., 2022 ).…”

“…In the present study, MPs extracted from fish are predominantly linear-shaped PEST particles, in line with the results reported in the literature for other lacustrine basins (Cera et al ., 2022 ). It has been reported that in marine species, fragment-shaped PE particles are usually found, and this difference is presumably due to the fact that, while in inland waters the presence of plastic particles comes mainly from domestic discharges, in the sea they are mostly formed as a result of fragmentation of macroscopic material (Avio et al ., 2020 ).…”

Microbial colonization patterns and biodegradation of petrochemical and biodegradable plastics in lake waters: insights from a field experiment

“…With a surface area of 51 km 2 , a maximum depth of 165 m, and a water volume of 5.5 km 3 , the lake represents a fundamental source of quality freshwaters in Central Italy and a popular touristic destination spot. Recent investigations revealed the occurrence of plastic waste and abundant micro-plastics in the lake waters ( Corti et al, 2020 ; Cera et al, 2022 ; Di Pippo et al, 2022 ).…”

When Climate Change and Overexploitation Meet in Volcanic Lakes: The Lesson from Lake Bracciano, Rome’s Strategic Reservoir

“…The minimum sustainable water level that guarantees a degree of self-purification capacity sufficient to allow the ecosystem to maintain its biological balance was estimated at −150 cm in Lake Bracciano [78], which was exceeded in 2017. In addition to the reduction of littoral surface area, the lake level dropped even further below its emissary (the River Arrone), the upper part of the river having already dried up several years earlier [34,79]. This increased the vulnerability to eutrophication of the lake, which before the water crisis was characterised by a theoretical water residence time of 137 years, the longest of all Italian lakes.…”