Ecotoxicological Assessment of Microplastics in Commercial Fish Species of the Southern Coast of Bangladesh

Author: Modhuparna Dey, Adiba Mosharraf, Ferdousi Begum, Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Md. Abu Bin Hasan Susan
DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v2-1101

Plastic pollution is a critical global issue, with microplastics (MPs) posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study investigates the occurrence and associated ecotoxicological risks of MPs in an exploratory way in three commercially vital fish species: Otolithoidespama (Poa), Glossogobiusgiuris (Bele), and Euthynnusaffinis (Little Tuna), collected from the Kuakata coast of Bangladesh. MPs were extracted from the gills and gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of collected fishes using peroxide digestion, followed by characterization via microscopy and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Results revealed MP contamination in all species, with fibers being the most prevalent form. G. giuris exhibited the highest overall MP abundance, while E. affinis showed the lowest. Polymer analysis identified ten types, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and the highly hazardous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyure thane (PU). The ecotoxicological risk assessment revealed a concerning scenario. Pollution Load Index (PLI) indicated moderate contamination across all samples. However, Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and Polymer Risk Index (PRI) highlighted significant risks, particular ly from PVC and PU, which were classified as posing an extreme danger. G. giuris was found to have the highest PRI, suggesting that its consumption could pose a considerable health risk. These findings underscore the pervasive nature of MP pollution in the fishery resources of Bangladesh and emphasize the urgent need for targeted environmental moni toring and public health policies to ensure food safety and security.