Investigation of Microplastics ingestion in some commercial fish species from the Northern Oman Sea, Iran
Subject Areas : Environmental pollutions (water, soil and air)Mahsa Mobasheri 1 , lobat taghavi 2 , Tooraj Valinassab 3 , Hassan Nasrollahzadeh Saravi 4
1 - PhD Candidate, Department of Environmental Science and Forest, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University Tehran, Iran
2 - Associated Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Forest, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University Tehran. Iran. *(Correspondence Author)
3 - Professor, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
4 - استاد راهنما
Keywords: Microplastics, Marine ecosystems, Commercial fish, Oman Sea, Gastrointestinal tract.,
Abstract :
Background and Objective: Microplastics (MPs) have recently gained significant research attention as an emerging global pollutant. This study analyzes frequency, concentration, and chemical nature of MPs found in some commercially important fish species from the Oman Sea, Iran.
Material and Methodology: Two highly consumed fish species (n=10) of commercial fishes from the northern Oman Sea including Psettodes erumei and Ephippus orbis were collected in September 2022. A total of 20 fish specimens were analyzed, focusing on their gastrointestinal tracts (GIT). Microplastic particles were identified and analyzed using a stereomicroscope based on number, shape, size and color. To determine the polymer composition of MPs, Raman spectroscopy was employed.
Findings: The results showed that microplastics were found in all fish samples, with a concentration of 125 (item/gr). The predominant shape in all two species was fiber (95%), blue is the dominant color identified and most particles measured between 200-500 µm. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) were identified as the dominant plastic polymers.
Discussion and Conclusion: These findings highlight the pervasive nature of microplastic pollution in marine environments and provide important baseline data on microplastic contamination in the Oman Sea. Furthermore, they contribute to our understanding of the environmental impacts of plastic waste on marine ecosystems and food webs.
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