Abstract
Microplastics (plastic particles <5 mm) are abundant in aquatic environments, particularly near urban areas. Little is known, however, about how variations in microplastic abundances within watersheds affect fishes. Microplastics were examined in demersal fishes—white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio)—across 11 sites in the Thames River, Ontario, Canada. Microplastics were found in 44% of white sucker, ranging from 0 to 14 particles per fish, and 31% of common carp, ranging from 0 to 128 particles per fish. Across both species, the number of microplastics was higher in urban sites than rural sites, and there was a positive relationship between the number of microplastics in the fish and the abundance of microplastics in the sediment. Body mass was also positively related to number of microplastics in fish. Together these results provide insight into environmental and biological factors that may be influencing microplastic ingestion in demersal fishes.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.