First detection of microplastics in Xyrichtys novacula (Linnaeus 1758) digestive tract from Eivissa Island (Western Mediterranean)

Plastic waste and its ubiquity in the oceans represent a growing problem for marine life worldwide. Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the sea and easily enter food webs. Xyrichtys novacula L. is one of the main target species of recreational fishing in the Balearic Islands, Spain. In the present study, the quantity of MPs in gastrointestinal tracts of X. novacula from two different areas (a marine protected area (MPA) and a non-protected area) of Eivissa Island (in the Balearic archipelago) has been assessed, as well as MPs evaluation within the sediment of both areas. The results showed that over 80% of sampled individuals had MPs in their gut with an average of 3.9 +/- 4.3 plastic items/individual. Eighty percent of these plastics were fibres, while the rest were fragments. Although the sediment of the non-protected area had a significant higher presence of MPs, no significant differences in the number of MPs were observed in X. novacula from both areas. The u-FT-IR analysis showed that the main polymers in the sediments were polycarbonate (PC) and polypropylene (PP), whereas in the digestive tract of fish PC, PP, polyethylene, polystyrene and polyester. In conclusion, practically all X. novacula specimens presented MPs in their digestive tract regardless if the capture zone was in a MPAs or not. These results highlight the ubiquity of MPs in coastal marine areas, and further studies might be necessary to evaluate further implications of MP presence in this species.

Automated summary

Plastic waste in the oceans is a growing problem for marine life. This study assessed the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the digestive tracts of Xyrichtys novacula fish from two different areas of Eivissa Island, as well as in the sediment of both areas. The results showed that over 80% of the fish samples had MPs in their gut, with the majority being fibers. Although there were more MPs in the sediment of the non-protected area, there were no significant differences in the number of MPs in the fish from both areas.