An Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in a Commercially Important Marine Fish, Harpadon nehereus (Hamilton, 1822)

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a prevalent and global threat to fish. MP contamination was investigated in Harpadon nehereus collected from the principal fishing harbors of India’s northwest coast. A total of 213 specimens were collected from the major fishing harbors of Gujarat state (Jakhau, Okha, and Jaffrabad) and Maharashtra state (Mumbai). In the laboratory, the morphometric parameters of the specimens, such as total length and body weight, were measured. The collected specimens were analyzed for MP isolation using the previously documented protocol. MPs were quantified under a stereomicroscope, and physical parameters were recorded. All the examined specimens were found to be contaminated with MPs, with an abundance of 6.98 ± 6.73 MPs/g. The maximum contamination of MPs was recorded at the study site in Jaffrabad, followed by Jakhau, Mumbai, and Okha. Morphometric analysis of MPs revealed threads to be the most dominant shape. Black and blue MPs with a 1–2 mm size were the predominant recorded types. The chemical composition of extracted MPs revealed polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyurethane (PU) as polymer compositions. Conclusively, the findings highlighted a greater menace to seafood safety due to trophic transfer, which causes a hazardous effect on human health.