First account of microplastics in pelagic sporting dolphinfish from the eastern Mexican coast of Baja California Sur

Abstract

This study is a baseline data on the presence of MPs from the gastro-intestinal tracts (GITs) in Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, from eastern Baja California Sur, México. 878 MPs items (in %) of fibers (29%), fragments (68%) and films (1.3%) were detected from 51 GITs of Coryphaena hippurus. Transparent, white, blue and black were the prevalent colours. Morphological features observed through SEM analysis, the presence of heavily weathered MPs is due to the mechanical, microbiological and chemical weathering process. PP (29%), Nylon (29%), PS (17%), PE (11%), PET (6%) and HDPE (8%) presence indicates their source from regional anthropogenic stress. Trophic level transition is enforced by polymer derivative, permitting the sinking behavior of MPs and increased ingestion probability. Fishes were classified as slim despite their higher feeding capabilities and ingested MPs indicates a relationship with environmental contaminants. Current study emphasizes the health risk linked to biological aspects of MPs ingestion.

Keywords: Anthropogenic stress; Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus 1758; Eastern Baja California Sur, México; Fish health conditions; Gastro-intestinal tracts (GITs); Microplastics.