Open AccessOccurrence of potential plastic microfibers in mussels and anchovies sold for human consumption: Preliminary results
Author(s) -
Serena Santonicola,
Michela Volgare,
Emilia Di Pace,
Mariacristina Cocca,
Raffaelina Mercogliano,
Giampaolo Colavita
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
italian journal of food safety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.359
H-Index - 13
ISSN - 2239-7132
DOI - 10.4081/ijfs.2021.9962
Subject(s) - microplastics , mytilus , engraulis , fishery , microfiber , plastic pollution , pelagic zone , human health , marine debris , anchovy , environmental science , biology , fish <actinopterygii> , debris , ecology , oceanography , chemistry , medicine , environmental health , organic chemistry , geology
There is a global concern over the impact of microplastics on marine species and trophic webs. Microfibers commonly represent the greater portion of microplastics in the aquatic environment, but little is known about fiber uptake and accumulation by marine biota. The aim of the study was to investigate the potential plastic microfiber contamination in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) from the Tyrrhenian Sea sold for human consumption. Anthropogenic debris was extracted from the digestive tracts of fish and the whole shellfish using a 10% KOH solution and quantified under a light microscope. The preliminary results showed the occurrence of potential plastic and natural microfibers in 73% of the samples. On average mussels contained 1.33 microfibers/g w.w. and 7.66 items/individual, while anchovies contained 9.06 microfibers/individual. Considering that mussels are consumed as a whole, and small pelagic fish, as anchovy, may be eaten without removing the gastrointestinal tract, microfiber contamination may lead to human exposure. More research is required to adequately assess the risk that microplastics, including microfibers, may pose for food safety and human health.