Abundance, characteristics, and potential ecological risks of microplastics in some commercial fish in İzmir Bay (Aegean Sea, Türkiye)

Abstract

Marine ecosystems are known to be contaminated by microplastics (MPs); however, the nature and the accumulation rates of microplastics in organisms with different lifestyles and feeding behavior are not well known. To contribute to the clarification of the subject, the present study was conducted by examining the gastrointestinal tract of 366 fish individuals belonging to 13 species, collected by commercial fishermen in İzmir Bay (Aegean Sea). MPs were detected in all fish species and the average number was found to be 2.21 ± 40.7 items ind.–1. Fibers were the most frequently extracted type of MPs. The most frequently identified MPs were black and not larger than 3 mm. By using the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy on MPs obtained from fish species, it was determined that the most frequently consumed plastic polymers were polypropylene (PP, 34.5%) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 32.2%). MPs were detected in all fish species examined. In order to reduce MPs in the aquatic ecosystem, it is suggested that in the short term, single-use plastic products should be banned and the use of environmentally friendly products should be promoted, while in the medium term, awareness should be raised by emphasizing training in the use of these products, and in the long term, all nations should fulfil the commitments of the Global Plastic Environment Treaty and ensure their follow-up.