Abundance Of Microplastics Research Articles

Pollution characteristics of microplastics in greenhouse soil profiles with the long-term application of organic compost

Organic composts are significant sources of microplastic (MP) pollution in soils, and their input is much higher in greenhouse agriculture than open-field agriculture. However, how long-term compost application affects MPs pollution in greenhouse soil profiles remains unclear. This study examined MPs characteristics in chicken manure compost and earthworms, exploring the long-term impacts of compost application on MPs accumulation and vertical migration in 0–100 cm soil depth through a 15-year greenhouse experiment. Microplastics abundance was 3965 items kg−1 in compost, 191–248 items kg−1 in compost-amended soils, and 2.73–4.52 items individual−1 in earthworms from compost-amended soils; the latter two increased significantly with compost application and were significantly higher than unamended soils. Soil MPs accumulation from long-term compost amendment contributed 45.4% of the total. The proportion of MPs <2 mm in compost (49.7%) was less than in compost-amended soils (65.5%) and earthworms (65.4%). Microplastics size and abundance decreased with increasing soil depth. Microplastics polymer types and shapes in composts, compost-amended soils, and earthworms exhibited similarities, mainly including polyethylene and polypropylene fragments and fibers. Compost-derived MPs in soils exhibited complex weathering morphology and adhered to mineral colloids. Therefore, soil MPs originating from compost gradually weathered and degraded into smaller particles and migrated to deeper soil, maybe resulting in more serious ecological issues.

First Evidence of Microplastic Ingestion by Riverine Fish From the Freshwater of Northwest Peninsular Malaysia.

In a baseline study, we investigated microplastic contamination in fish from the Pinang and Kerian Rivers in Northwest Peninsular Malaysia. In recognition of the growing concern over microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, we aimed to assess the abundance and characteristics of microplastics ingested by various fish species. Fish samples were collected from local fishermen, followed by a digestion process using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH). Microplastics were isolated and analyzed through visual examination and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed a high prevalence of microplastics, with Johnius borneensis and Oreochromis sp. exhibiting the highest abundance, averaging 48.6 and 42.8 microplastics/g, respectively. The predominant shapes were fibers (55.6%) and fragments (25.9%), with colors primarily transparent (48.19%) and black (30.12%). Our results indicate significant contamination levels in freshwater fish, emphasizing the need for further research and effective mitigation strategies. These findings provide crucial baseline data on microplastics in Malaysian freshwater ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2189-2198. © 2024 SETAC.

Preliminary characterization of microplastics in beef hamburgers

The diffusion of microplastics in meat products is an emerging topic, as their impact on animal and human health is still largely unknown. The present study aimed to preliminarily determine the number and the quality of microplastics diffusion in beef hamburgers (n = 10) through Fourier-transformed infrared micro-spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode analysis. Microplastics were detected in all analyzed samples. The abundance of microplastics ranged from 200.00 to 30,300.00 MP/kg. Microplastics observed in the analyzed samples were mainly characterized by irregular shapes (95.99%), grey color (70.16%), and dimensions comprised between 51 and 100 μm (57.46%). Eighteen different polymers were detected, with polycarbonate (30,300.00 MP/kg), polyethylene (1580.00 MP/kg) and polypropylene (750.00 MP/kg) being the most abundant classes. Results demonstrate an extensive diffusion of microplastics in the analyzed samples, which may be originated from various sources, including animal body, industrial processing, and packaging. Findings from this study will aid in pinpointing the source of microplastics contamination, enabling the creation of targeted guidelines to mitigate microplastics spread in processed meat food.

Microplastic Characteristics and Risk Assessment in Multigate Dam-type River

Microplastics pose a serious ecological threat to rivers in China, and the construction of a large number of dams has complicated this problem. Ten dams of the Shaying River were chosen to investigate the abundance and composition of microplastics in surface water and sediments of the reservoir and upstream river. Ecological risk was evaluated using species sensitive distribution （SSD） and pollution load index （PLI）. The results showed that the Shaying River was exposed to a severe risk of microplastics from upstream to downstream. The construction of dams did not significantly affect the distribution of microplastics in the river. River sediments became a sink for microplastics in the surface water； however, the ecological risk posed by microplastics in the surface water was greater, and the comparison of the two assessment methods showed that the species sensitivity distribution assessment better reflected the accumulation and feeding behavior of organisms to pollutants compared to the pollution load index.

Microplastic Abundance and Characteristics in The Soil Around the Jambi Talang Gulo Landfill

Microplastic Abundance and Characteristics in The Soil Around the Jambi Talang Gulo Landfill

Microplastics contamination and risk assessment in bivalves of economic importance from Beypore estuary, Southern India

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutant causing severe threat to the biotic and abiotic components of the coastal ecosystem. Accumulation of MPs in the commercially important bivalves Viz. Perna viridis (green mussel) and Meretrix casta (clam) collected from four different locations of Beypore estuary, Southern India was studied. The study focused on the accumulation, characteristics, diversity indices, and human health risk assessment of MPs in the bivalves of Beypore estuary. A total of 120 bivalve samples were examined for the MPs contamination. Whole tissue digestion method using 10% KOH was employed to retrieve the MP content. The results indicate that the average abundance of MPs in Perna viridis is 2.38 ± 1.56 MPs/individual and 0.15 ± 0.09 MP/g/wet weight whereas, for Meretrix casta it is 1.35 ± 1.02 MPs/individual and 0.3 ± 0.27 MP/g/wet weight. Spearman's correlation reveals that there is no significant correlation observed between the abundance of MPs in the bivalves with their morphomertric parameters. The characteristics of MPs in the bivalves are dominated by translucent colored particles (88.95%) in the form of films (45.13%) and fibers (33.6%) having a size ranged between 300 and 1000 μm (51.13%) and composed of polyethylene (54.5%) and polypropylene (20%) polymers. The microplastic index in Meretrix casta ranged between 0.02 and 0.07 whereas for Perna viridis it ranged between 0.08 and 0.10 indicating minimal to moderate MPs contamination. The microplastics diversity integrated index ranged between 0.67 and 0.69 for Meretrix casta whereas, for Perna viridis the value ranged between 0.34 and 0.60 suggests moderate diversity of MPs derived from multiple sources. Based on polymer hazard index, the potential health risk was assessed with a hazard level ranged between II and IV suggesting significant health risk. Systematic monitoring of MPs at river basin scale along with stringent plastic waste management is required to minimize plastic pollution load into the river system.

Distribution of microplastics and phthalic acid esters during dry anaerobic digestion of food waste and potential microbial degradation analysis

Food waste (FW) and its biogas residue were considered as sources of terrestrial microplastics (MPs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) contamination. However, there was a lack of research and understanding of the MPs and PAEs pollution problem in FW dry anaerobic digestion process (DADP). The MPs and PAEs in three stages of the DADP with the largest monomer disposal scale in China were identified. At the biogas residue extrusion stage, MPs abundance and PAEs concentration reached the highest values, which were 3.63 ± 0.45 × 103 N·kg-1 and 3.62 ± 0.72 mg·kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between MPs and PAEs throughout the process (p < 0.05). Although bacteria and fungi with plastic degradation potential were present in all stages, the contamination problem of MPs and PAEs cannot be completely solved through DADP. This study provides a scientific basis for preventing and controlling the pollution of MPs and PAEs.

Unveiling the abundance and potential impacts of microplastic contamination in commercial organic fertilizers/compost produced from different solid waste.

This study comprehensively investigated the abundance, morphologies, and polymer types of plastics, larger (1-5mm) and smaller (< 1mm) microplastics (MPs), in organic fertilizers using spectroscopic and microscopic methods. MPs abundance varied depending on the type of waste employed. MPs were detected in 80% of the investigated compost samples, while macro/meso plastics were found in only four samples. Compost from mixed municipal solid waste exhibited the highest MPs contamination (23100 ± 3615 items/kg dry weight), whereas compost produced from canteen waste had the lowest contamination (100 ± 65 items/kg dry weight). Smaller MPs were dominant in all samples. The estimated loads of MPs introduced into agricultural soil exceeded the previous studies. Common morphologies observed were sheet, film, fragment, and fiber, while dominant polymer types were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Heavy metals, including Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb, were identified in association with MPs. Results indicate that the utilization of appropriate waste for composting and upgrading fertilizer regulations is crucial to protect the environment and human health from smaller MPs.

Identification of microplastic content in milkfish ponds in Lontar Village, Serang Regency

Microplastics measuring &lt; 5 mm can easily enter the fish's body through the respiratory system and digestive system. The aim of this research is to calculate the abundance of microplastics and determine the types contained in the bodies of milkfish, water and sediment in the Lontar Village Pond, Serang Regency. There are 6 stations, 4 fish samples were taken from each station, water samples were taken using a plankton net and sediment samples were taken using individual pipes at each station. The number of fish samples was 24 fish, meat, intestine, stomachs and gills were taken. Fish organs were destroyed using 10% KOH. Samples were incubated for 24 hours until the organic material was destroyed. Then filtered using Whattman No 42, and dried using an oven at 60ºC for 1 hour. Likewise, filtering of water and sediment samples is carried out. The types of microplastics found were fragments, fibers and films. The highest abundance was in the gills and intestines with an abundance of 11 per individual. The highest abundance of microplastics in the water in Lontar Village ponds is the fragment type with a total of 5 per/20 mL at station 3 and the film type with a total of 5 per/20 mL at station 6 and in the milkfish pond sediments of Lontar Village the highest abundance of microplastics is 1 per/25 gr. The types of polymers found in the digestive tract of milkfish are Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Latex, Polystyrene (PS), Nylon, and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).Keywords: Aquaculture; Lontar; Microplastics; Milkfish

Assessing the abundance, sources, and potential ecological risk assessment of microplastics using their particle and mass units in Uiam Lake, South Korea

Microplastics (MPs) enter lakes through various pathways, including effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), surface runoff, and improperly disposed of plastic waste. In this study, the extent of MPs pollution in Uiam Lake in fall of 2022 and spring of 2023 was assessed by determining both the number (n/m3) and mass concentrations (μg/m3) of MPs. Moreover, the correlation between water quality parameters and MP properties was analyzed, and an ecological risk assessment was conducted. MPs abundance was higher in spring than in fall, probably due to the lifting of coronavirus disease-19 restrictions, melting of ice, higher rainfall, and faster wind speed. Fragment was the dominant shape of the MPs collected, while polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyester/polyethylene terephthalate were the frequently detected polymer types of MPs in fall and spring, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between the number concentration of MPs and the total nitrogen, total phosphorus (T-P), and total organic carbon levels; in contrast, there was no significant relationship between the mass concentration of MPs and all water quality parameters. However, the abundance (μg/m3) of PVC and polymethyl methacrylate MPs were positively correlated with T-P and electrical conductivity. The pollution load index, polymer hazard index, and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were generally higher when the mass unit of MPs was used due to the presence of large-sized MPs composed of highly hazardous polymers (e.g., polyurethane, PVC, and alkyd). For instance, the PERI value of the WWTP effluent was at the very high level (>1200) in both seasons, regardless of the abundance unit of MPs. Therefore, WWTP effluents may have increased the ecological toxicity of MPs pollution in Uiam Lake.

Metabolomic and biochemical disorders reveal the toxicity of environmental microplastics and benzo[a]pyrene in the marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor

Recently, the abundance of environmental microplastics (MPs) has become a global paramount concern. Besides the danger of MPs for biota due to their tiny size, these minute particles may act as vectors of other pollutants. This study focused on evaluating the toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of MPs (10 and 50 mg/kg sediment) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P, 1 µg/kg sediment), alone and in mixture, for 3 and 7 days in marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor, selected as a benthic bioindicator model. The exposure period was sufficient to confirm the bioaccumulation of both contaminants in seaworms, as well as the potential capacity of plastic particles to adsorb and vehiculate the B[a]P. Interestingly, increase of acidic mucus production was observed in seaworm tissues, indicative of a defense response. The activation of oxidative system pathways was demonstrated as a strategy to prevent lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the comprehensive Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics revealed significant disorders in amino acids metabolism, osmoregulatory process, energetic components, and oxidative stress related elements. Overall, these findings proved the possible synergic harmful effect of MPs and B[a]P even in small concentrations, which increases the concern about their long-term presence in marine ecosystems, and consequently their transfer and repercussions on marine fauna.

The seasonal variation and ecological risk of microplastics in the Lower Ganges River, Bangladesh.

Microplastic (MP) pollution has gained considerable attention in various ecosystems; however, it has received relatively less attention in freshwater-riverine environments than in other ecosystems. The Ganges River Delta, one of the world's most densely populated areas, is a potential source of MP pollution in the freshwater ecosystem. MPs were identified throughout the year in the lower Ganges River water. Seasonally, the highest abundance was observed during the monsoon (14.66 ± 2.06 MPs/L), followed by the pre-monsoon (13.46 ± 1.75 MPs/L) and post-monsoon (11.50 ± 0.40 MPs/L). Throughout the year, MP discharge was estimated at 4.12 × 1012 to 2.17 × 1013 MPs/year. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy identified plastic polymers in the water, like ethylene vinyl acetate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. Moderate contamination by MPs was assessed throughout the year. Significant correlations between MP abundance and both rainfall and discharge were observed. It is essential to implement preventative measures in the Ganges River Basin to mitigate MP pollution before the situation worsens. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Throughout the year, MP concentration ranged from 10.67 to 20.33 MPs/L The highest MP occurrence was observed in the monsoon season (14.66 ± 2.06 MPs/L) The lowest abundance was detected in the post-monsoon period (11.50 ± 0.40 MPs/L) There was a moderate level of MP contamination in the lower Ganges River water It was shown that discharge and rainfall were correlated with MP abundance.

Analysis of microplastics in the reuse of compost in three agricultural sites (Cádiz, Spain) as a circular economy strategy: detection of micropollutants and incidence of plastic ingestion levels by annelids

The system of fertilizing agricultural soils with sludge or compost from wastewater treatment processes, as one of the principles of the circular economy, can lead to microplastic (MP) contamination. The existing technical standards for fertilization are very recent and do not consider this problem, although there is scientific evidence of their existence. Therefore, this study, on the one hand, evaluates the presence of MPs in agricultural soils, previously treated with sludge or compost from wastewater treatment plants for fertilization, and on the second hand, it studies the effect of these MPs on earthworms in three different locations in the south of Spain. For the study, selected composts deriving from the different stages of the composting process and three fertilized soils with increasing MP doses were followed. Samples were taken from different sections in depth (0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm) to study the shape, size, type, and abundance of MPs using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the most abundant shape was fiber, followed by fragment and finally bulk, for both composts and soils. Regarding size distribution, 100 µm was the predominant size in composts (64.3% ± 9.8), while in the case of soils, the predominant range was from 100 to 500 µm. The prevalent polymers in both, composts and soils, were PTFE, TPE, PP, and PET, with four times higher amounts in composts than in soils. Ingestion of common MPs were also verified in two earthworm species, which ingested concentrations higher than 2.1% w/w. PP was the most ingested MP and Eisenia fetida was more voracious compared with Lumbricus terrestris. Therefore, it can be considered a suitable bioindicator for monitoring microplastic contamination in agricultural soil.Graphical

An Investigation on the Presence and Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Quilon Beach, South West Coast of India

Microplastics (MPs) are the most serious emerging pollutant around the globe. Anthropogenic activities are the major contributor of MPs in beach sediments. MPs are widely distributed along beaches and pose a serious threat to the marine food chain including human health. The present study aims to investigate, for the first time, the occurrence, quantification of abundance and risk assessment of MPs in Quilon beach, India and also identifies the potential sources along with the assessment of degree of MPs contamination using Pollution load index (PLI) and Pollution Hazard index (PHI) parameters. Sampling was conducted in dry season in the beach. A total of thirty-three samples were collected establishing a 20m grid pattern along the study area. MPs of size range 5mm - < 0.25mm were considered. The average abundance of MPs in the study area is 3145±2515 MPs/kg of sand. Polyester (PES), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are the major polymer types in the study area. Fibre was the most dominant shapes. The frequent colours found were white and transparent. MPs of size <0.25mm were the most common of all the samples. Anthropogenic activities including sewage effluents, fishing and tourism activities might be the main sources of MPs pollution in this area.

Microplastic abundance and heavy metal contamination in agricultural soil with the wastewater treatment plants effluent; Tehran, Iran

Microplastic abundance and heavy metal contamination in agricultural soil with the wastewater treatment plants effluent; Tehran, Iran

Quantification and characterization of microplastics ingested by mangrove oysters across West Africa

Microplastic ingestion by marine organisms presents a challenge to both ecosystem functioning and human health. We characterized microplastic abundance, shape, size, and polymer types ingested by the West African mangrove oyster, Crassostrea tulipa (Lamarck, 1819) sampled from estuaries and lagoons from the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin, and Nigeria using optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. A total of 780 microplastics were isolated in the whole tissues of the 250 oysters (n = 50 oysters per country). The abundance and distribution of microplastics in the oysters followed the pattern: the Gambia > Ghana > Sierra Leone > Nigeria > Benin. The Tanbi wetlands in the Gambia recorded the highest average of 10.50 ± 6.69 per oyster while the Ouidah lagoon in Benin recorded the lowest average of 1.80 ± 1.90 per oyster. Overall, microplastic numbers varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the five countries. Microfibers, particularly those within 1001–5000 μm size, dominated the total microplastic count with a few fragments and films. No spherical microplastics were isolated in the oysters. In the Sierra Leone and Benin oysters, fragments and films were absent in the samples. Microplastic between the 1001 and 5000 μm size class dominated the counts, followed by 501–1000 μm, 101–500 μm, and 51–100 μm. Five polymer groups namely polyethylene, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and polyamide were identified across the five countries, with polyethylene occurring in oysters from all five countries and polyester occurring in all but the oysters from Nigeria. This diversity of polymers suggests varied sources of microplastics ingested by the studied oysters. The absence of microspheres across the five supports findings from other studies that they are the least ingested and highly egested by the oysters.Graphical

Short-term microplastic effects on marine meiofauna abundance, diversity and community composition.

Due to the copious disposal of plastics, marine ecosystems receive a large part of this waste. Microplastics (MPs) are solid particles smaller than 5 millimeters in size. Among the plastic polymers, polystyrene (PS) is one of the most commonly used and discarded. Due to its density being greater than that of water, it accumulates in marine sediments, potentially affecting benthic communities. This study investigated the ingestion of MP and their effect on the meiofauna community of a sandy beach. Meiofauna are an important trophic link between the basal and higher trophic levels of sedimentary food webs and may therefore be substantially involved in trophic transfer of MP and their associated compounds. We incubated microcosms without addition of MP (controls) and treatments contaminated with PS MP (1-µm) in marine sediments at three nominal concentrations (103, 105, 107particles/mL), for nine days, and sampled for meiofauna with collections every three days. At each sampling time, meiofauna were collected, quantified and identified to higher-taxon level, and ingestion of MP was quantified under an epifluorescence microscope. Except for Tardigrada, all meiofauna taxa (Nematoda, turbellarians, Copepoda, Nauplii, Acari and Gastrotricha) ingested MP. Absorption was strongly dose dependent, being highest at 107 particles/mL, very low at 105 particles/mL and non-demonstrable at 103 particles/mL. Nematodes accumulated MP mainly in the intestine; MP abundance in the intestine increased with increasing incubation time. The total meiofauna density and species richness were significantly lower at the lowest MP concentration, while at the highest concentration these parameters were very similar to the control. In contrast, Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness were greater in treatments with low MP concentration. However, these results should be interpreted with caution because of the low meiofauna abundances at the lower two MP concentrations. At the highest MP concentration, abundance, taxonomic diversity and community structure of a beach meiofauna community were not significantly affected, suggesting that MP effects on meiofauna are at most subtle. However, lower MP concentrations did cause substantial declines in abundance and diversity, in line with previous studies at the population and community level. While we can only speculate on the underlying mechanism(s) of this counterintuitive response, results suggest that further research is needed to better understand MP effects on marine benthic communities.

Behavior of coastal communities in dealing with microplastic pollution in salt ponds in Cirebon Regency

Background: Cirebon Regency, as one of the national salt-producing centers located on the coast of the North Coast of Java is vulnerable to plastic waste pollution originating from rivers and marine debris that washes up on the beach. The purpose of this study was to analyze an assessment of the correlation between aspects of knowledge and attitudes towards the behavior of coastal communities in domestic plastic waste was also carried out to be used as a basis for preparing strategies for managing domestic plastic waste in coastal communities. Methods: The research method used is a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods consisting of a shoreline survey methodology, river waste abundance, laboratory analysis, statistical analysis, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and descriptive analysis. Findings: Pearson's correlation analysis showed that there was a strong (r=0.664) and significant (0.000) positive relationship between aspects of knowledge and behavior, then aspects of attitude and behavior had a very weak positive relationship (r=0.183) and significant (0.028). Conclusion: The community has not been pro-environmental due to the uneven distribution of available cleaning facilities. The conclusion of this study is that education, community empowerment, collaboration between village and local officials, and additional cleaning facilities are needed to reduce the problem of domestic plastic waste. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The originality of this study lies in its examination of microplastic contamination in salt ponds, directly assessing the sources of contamination from raw materials and domestic waste in Cirebon Regency, a primary salt production area in Indonesia. This focus on the direct assessment of microplastic abundance in production units, rather than commercial products, provides novel insights into the impacts of plastic pollution on food safety and local salt quality.

Microplastics and heavy metal contamination along a land-use gradient in a Himalayan foothill river: Prevalence and controlling factors

The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals in aquatic systems has raised significant concerns, yet their relationship in freshwater ecosystems remains poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of MPs and factors controlling their distribution in both water and sediment in the Markanda River, Northwest India. MPs were extracted from sediment and water samples using density separation and classified through fluorescence microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Metal concentrations in river water samples were analyzed using ICP-MS, and their correlation with MP abundance was explored. The results indicated the widespread occurrence of MP pollution across the Markanda River basin, with particle concentrations ranging from 10 to 530 particles L−1 in surface water and 1330–4330 particles kg−1 dry weight (dw) in sediment samples. The variability in MP abundance at sampling sites along the Markanda River courses results from factors such as the proximity of industrial establishments and human habitation, while the influence of grain size on MP distribution appears to be limited. Pellets (88.5 %) and fragments (8.5 %) were the most abundant types of MPs, with polyethylene (45.45 %) and polystyrene (30.9 %) being the dominant forms in water samples. The ICP-MS analysis of heavy metals in water samples indicated elevated levels of As (1.67 to 32.31 ppb) in downstream areas of the river system, influenced by human activities. While metals exhibited correlation with each other, there was a weak association, except for As, with the levels of MPs in the Markanda River. The SEM-EDX analyses to characterize chemical elements absorbed onto the surface of MP showed distinct variations in upstream and downstream sites, with the presence of elements such as Mn, Ni, Cr, Zn, As, Se, and Cu found in downstream areas. We conclude that MPs contaminated with heavy metals potentially threaten the ecological security of freshwater aquatic systems and highlight the importance of management action to reduce plastic pollution worldwide.

Effect of parasitic infection on microplastic ingestion in a native leuciscid hybrid species (Alburnus derjugini x Squalius orientalis) from Kürtün Dam Lake, Türkiye

Microplastic (MP) pollution is currently one of the most serious environmental issues. MPs were investigated in the Kürtün Dam Lake in healthy individuals of the native leuciscid hybrid (Alburnus derjugini x Squalius orientalis) species and individuals infected with the Ligula intestinalis parasite. Although MP abundance appeared to be higher in non-infected fish (NIF) than in L. intestinalis (L) and infected fish (IF), the MP abundance in IF was higher, because the parasite theoretically belongs to IF. In addition to the observation of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of fish, the diffusion of MPs by parasites settled in the body cavity indicates that MPs are not only present in the GIT. Therefore, predation on existing fish by birds causes MP dispersion. In the present study, the most common MP shape was fiber (100% for NIF and IF, 85.7% for L), the MP color was black (57.1% for IF and L) and orange (50% for NIF), and the polymer type was polyamide (57.1% for IF, 50% for NIF) and polyethylene terephthalate (28.5% for L). These MP compositions led us to believe that textile effluents and aquaculture operations in dam lakes could be sources of pollution. Therefore, this study provides insights for future research to elucidate the connection between MP consumption and parasite infection.