01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-08-0169 |
| Title of Abstract | Hidden Plastics in the Catch: Microplastic Contamination in Commercially important Marine Pelagic Fishes of Gujarat state and Its Risk to Seafood Consumers |
| Authors | Jahnvi Oza*, Jigneshkumar N. Trivedi |
| Organisation | Department of life sciences, H.N.G. University, Patan |
| Address | 71, Suvidhinath society, Kalka road, near M.N. high school, patan Patan, Gujarat, India Pincode: 384265 E-mail: jahnvioza940@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | Over recent decades, microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a growing global concern, not only as an environmental pollutant but also as a contaminant in seafood. This study evaluated MP occurrence in the gastrointestinal tract, gill, and muscle tissues of 360 fish specimens representing 15 commercially important marine pelagic species, collected from five major fishing harbors in Gujarat, India. The analysis involved sample digestion, density separation, filtration, microscopic examination, and polymer identification. Across all samples, 4,033 MP particles were detected from studied specimens. Among the examined species, Thryssa setirostris exhibited the highest abundance of MP (6.85 ± 4.42 MPs/individual), whereas Trichirus lepturus showed the lowest (1.83 ± 1.02 MPs/individual). Spatial variation was evident, with Sartanpar harbor presenting the greatest abundance (13.73 ± 4.13 MPs/individual) and Jakhau harbor the least (3.11 ± 0.51 MPs/individual). Muscle tissue was having highest abundance of MPs compared to tissue of gut and gill samples. Most MPs were fibers in shape, predominantly black and blue, and measured under 500 µm. Polymer analysis identified polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), and rubber. Risk assessment using contamination factor, pollutant load index, and polymer hazard index classified all locations as subject to very high MP contamination. Analysis of the estimated daily intake of microplastics among adults and children reveals notable potential risks to human health. These results highlight a significant threat to marine resources and human health via the consumption of MP laden fish. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Plastic pollution, sea-food safety, Gujarat fisheries, Polymeric risk, pelagic fishes. |
| For Awards | no |