Microplastic and artificial cellulose microfibers ingestion by reef fishes in the Guarapari Islands, southwestern Atlantic. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Macieira, Raphael M.; Oliveira, Leticia Aparecida Silva; Cardozo-Ferreira, Gabriel C.; Pimentel, Caio Ribeiro; Andrades, Ryan; Gasparini, João Luiz; Sarti, Francesco; Chelazzi, David; Cincinelli, Alessandra; Gomes, Levy Carvalho; Giarrizzo, Tommaso
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 167(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Litter -- Plastic -- Marine fishes -- Polymers -- Cellulose-based fibers -- Brazil; 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.2021.112371
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated the ingestion of microplastics and artificial cellulose particles by 103 specimens belonging to 21 reef fish species from the southwestern Atlantic. Specimens of six species had ingested microplastics and artificial cellulose particles, while those of another three species had ingested only one type of material. In our samples, man-made cellulose fibers were more common than microplastics. The tomtate grunt, Haemulon aurolineatum, ingested more particles than any of the other species. Overall, transparent particles were predominant, and polyamide was the most common plastic material. Household sewage, fishery activity, and navigation appear to be the principal sources of the artificial particles ingested by the reef fishes. Our results provide an important database on oceanic contamination by microplastics and artificial cellulose particles. Understanding this impact on tropical reef fish will contribute to the development of strategies to mitigate pollution by anthropogenic debris in reef systems. Highlights: Reef fishes ingested more man-made cellulose fibers than microplastics. Transparent particles were predominant in the samples. Household sewage, fishery and navigation are likely the main sources of particles.