Widespread Microplastic Pollution in Commercial Fish from Visakhapatnam Harbour: Implications for Marine Ecosystems and Food Safety

Abstract

Marine pollution, particular plastic-dominant waste, a mounting global crisis. India is among the leading contributors to global plastic pollution, with an estimated annual release of around 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste into the environment. This study aimed to show the remnants of plastic dust in commercially valuable edible fish collected from Visakhapatnam Harbour. Samples were taken to analyse microplastic contamination on the surface of gills, digestive trac, and tissues, attributed to two species in the harbour. A total of 80% of microplastics were recorded during this study from the Visakhapatnam harbour pointing the chemical digestion and infiltration. Fibers were most dominant in all species followed by foam. Blue (35%), red (17%), and black (5%) plastics were the most prevalent colours. Average dimensions of the plastic debris range between 0.45mm in the Trichurus lepturus to 3.1mm in the Stelophorus commersonie. The major microplastic polymers identified using FTIR spectroscopy characterization include polyamide, PET, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polypropylene. Our findings demonstrate substantial microplastic contamination in fish and underscore the urgent need for further research on plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems.