Distribution, abundance, and composition of microplastics in market fishes from the Red and Mediterranean seas in Egypt

Marine environments contain plastic debris that potentially elicits adverse effects in aquatic organisms. In Egypt, microplastic pollution has been recognized as a significant issue; however risks associated with human con-sumption have not been fully elucidated. Here, we evaluated the frequency of occurrence, abundance, and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in marine fishes at market from the Mediterranean and Red seas in Egypt. Four fish markets distributed along the two seas (Hurghada and Suez in Red Sea) and (Port Said and Alexandria in Mediterranean Sea) were sampled in May 2021. In fish at markets, MPs were found throughout the gastro-intestinal system (stomach and intestine) but were not detected in either muscle or liver. The body size (length and weight) of the market fish was positively correlated with and the concentration of MPs. The most frequent size of MPs observed in fish were between as >5000 & mu;ml (26%), followed by 500-1000 & mu;m (25.8%), & mu;m and 1000-5000 & mu;m (22.7%). The highest MPs concentration was found in fish collected at the Hurghada site (4.16 items/individual). The most abundant polymers comprising plastic in marine fishes in Egypt in the Red Sea, the dominant Polymers of the MPs in fish was PE (59.4%), followed by PP (24.8%). while, In the Mediterranean Sea, the dominant Polymers of the MPs in fish was PP (48.5%), followed by PE (35.9%). We conclude that the size of the fish, its diet, and habitat are key factors related to MP bioaccumulation in marine fish species. We have improved our understanding of the risk MPs pose to fisheries and marine ecosystems by demonstrating their widespread presence there. Consequently, it is more important than ever to get plastics out of the sea.

Automated summary

Marine environments in Egypt are facing a significant issue of microplastic pollution, which potentially harms aquatic organisms. This study evaluated the occurrence, abundance, and distribution of microplastics in marine fishes from the Mediterranean and Red seas in Egypt. The results showed that microplastics were present in the gastrointestinal system of fish at markets but not in muscle or liver. The size of the fish, its diet, and habitat were found to be key factors related to the bioaccumulation of microplastics in fish species. The study concludes that it is crucial to remove plastics from the sea, considering the risks they pose to fisheries and marine ecosystems.