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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) in the ocean represents a potential threat to marine organisms, with
poorly understood long-term adverse effects, including exposure to plastic additives. The present study investigated
the ingestion of MPs in two epipelagic fish species (Trachurus picturatus and Scomber colias) and three pelagic squid spe cies (Loligo vulgaris, Ommastrephes caroli and Sthenoteuthis pteropus) from an open oceanic region of the Northeast Atlan tic. Seven phthalate esters (PAEs) were also analysed in the organisms' tissue, and the potential correlation between
PAEs concentrations and ingested MPs was investigated. Seventy-two fish and 20 squid specimens were collected
and analysed. MPs were found in the digestive tract of all species and in the squid species' gills and ink sacs. The highest
occurrence of MPs was in the stomach of S. colias (85 %) and the lowest in the stomach and ink sac of O. caroli and
L. vulgaris (12 %). Most of the particles identified (>90 %) were fibres. Among all the ecological and biological factors
considered (dietary preferences, season, body size, total weight, liver weight, hepatosomatic index and gastrosomatic
index), only gastrosomatic index (GSI) and season were significant predictors of MPs ingestion in fish species, with a
greater likelihood of ingestion in the cold season and in specimens with higher GSI values (i.e. higher feeding inten sity). Four PAEs (DEP, DIBP, BBP, DEHP) were detected in all the species analysed, with average ∑PAEs concentrations ranging between 10.31 and 30.86 ng/g (wet weight). DIBP was positively correlated with ingested MPs, suggesting
this compound might represent a “plastic tracer”. This study looks into the problem of MPs ingestion for pelagic species
in an open oceanic region, highlighting the most suitable bioindicators and providing essential insights into the factors
that may influence ingestion rates. Additionally, the detection of PAEs in all species indicates the need for further re search on the contamination sources, the effects of these chemicals on marine organisms, and the potential risks to
human health through seafood consumption.
Description
Keywords
MPs Ocean contamination Plastic additives Ingestion of microplastics Pelagic fish species Phthalate esters . Faculdade de Ciências da Vida Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia
Citation
Publisher
Elsevier BV