Microplastics occurrence in commercial crab (Portunus segnis) from the western coast of India and pollution indices: First investigation and evidence

Microplastic (MP) pollution has increased drastically due to improper plastic waste management. The present study aimed to investigate the MPs contamination in the commercially important brachyuran crab Portunus segnis of Gujarat State, India. One hundred fifty crab specimens were collected from three principal fishing harbors in Gujarat. The collected specimens were analyzed for MP extraction using a previously documented protocol. The chemical composition of extracted MPs was assessed with ATR-FTIR. The average abundance of MPs contami-nation was recorded as 0.82 +/- 0.58 MPs/g and 2.02 +/- 1.48 MPs/individual. Findings of Contamination Factor (CF) revealed that study site Jakhau was identified as a low-contamination site, while Okha and Veraval were considered moderately contaminated. The H index has identified study sites Jakhau and Veraval as class IV risk categories, while study site Okha fell into the class V risk category. PRI value revealed the very high contamination of MPs in all the study sites. The guts were recorded as being more contaminated with MPs than the gills. The average abundance of MP contamination in males (0.77 +/- 0.14 MPs/g in Jakhau, 1.19 +/- 0.77 MPs/g in Okha, and 0.82 +/- 0.43 MPs/g in Veraval) was recorded higher than in females (0.33 +/- 0.11 MPs/g in Jakhau, 0.8 +/- 0.49 MPs/g in Okha, and 0.75 +/- 0.41 MPs/g in Veraval) in all the study sites. The average abundance of MP contamination varied significantly between males and females. Fibers were found dominantly in all study sites, followed by fragments, films, and foams. Black and blue-colored MPs with 1-2 mm sizes were found more abundantly. The chemical composition of the extracted MPs revealed polyethylene, nylon, polyurethane, and polystyrene as polymer compositions. Overall, the present study highlighted the MP contamination in commercially important crabs that can be used as a basis for further studies on ecotoxicology and seafood safety.

Automated summary

This study investigated the contamination of microplastics (MPs) in commercially important Portunus segnis crabs in Gujarat State, India. The findings revealed varying levels of MP contamination in the crabs, with higher contamination in the guts compared to the gills. Additionally, male crabs were found to have higher levels of contamination than females, and fibers were the most abundant type of MPs.