Presence and characterization of microplastics in fish of commercial importance from the Biobío region in central Chile

Karla Pozo*, Victoria Gomez, Mariett Torres, Luciano Vera, Dariela Nuñez, Patricio Oyarzún, Gonzalo Mendoza, Bradley Clarke, Maria Cristina Fossi, Matteo Baini, Petra Přibylová, Jana Klánová

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

108 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study we have identified and characterized microplastic particles (MPs) found in six fish species of commercial importance in central Chile. The fish species belong to different trophic levels and were obtained from the oceanic and coastal habitats. To analyze MPs, the fish gastrointestinal content was extracted, analyzed and characterized using a microscopy equipped with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The MPs found in fish samples were mainly constituted by red microfibers (70–100%) with sizes ranging between 176 and 2842 μm. Polyester, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were identified as the prevalent polymers detected. The coastal species showed the presence of microfibers with a higher size and abundance (71%) compared to oceanic species (29%), suggesting there is a greater exposure risk. These findings are consistent with results found in other investigations worldwide. However, further research is still needed to accurately establish the potential exposure risk for the public consuming these fish and the impact of MPs in the Chilean fishery activities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)315-319
Number of pages5
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume140
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Elsevier Ltd

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science
  • Pollution

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