Ingestion of plastic by fish: A comparison of Thames Estuary and Firth of Clyde populations. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McGoran, Alexandra R.; Cowie, Phillip R.; Clark, Paul F.; McEvoy, James P.; Morritt, David
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 137(2018)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Microplastics -- Microfibres -- Thames Estuary -- Firth of Clyde fish populations -- FTIR spectroscopy; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.09.054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: This study compared plastic ingestion between pelagic and benthic fish populations from two UK watersheds: the Thames Estuary and the Firth of Clyde. The alimentary canals of 876 individuals were examined. Of twenty-one estuarine species investigated, fourteen ingested plastics, including predator (fish) and prey (shrimp) species. Overall, 32% of organisms ingested plastic, mostly fibres (88% of total plastics). More flatfish (38%) ingested plastics than other benthic species (17%). In the Thames, more plastic was ingested by pelagic species (average number of plastic pieces ingested: 3.2) and flatfish (average number of plastic pieces ingested: 2.9) than by shrimp (average number of plastic pieces ingested: 1). More fish from the Clyde ingested plastic than similar Thames species (39% compared to 28% respectively); however, the average amount of plastic ingested did not differ between the sites. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Microfibres were the most recovered plastic. Microplastic is ingested by both pelagic and benthic fish and brown shrimp. 14 fish species from the Clyde and Thames estuaries ingested plastic. 32% of organisms in this study ingested plastic. Polyester was the most commonly ingested plastic.