Characteristics and risks of microplastic contamination in marine trash fish from the northern Bay of Bengal: implications for human health and local aquaculture industry

Abstract

Small marine trash fish are widely consumed and used in aquaculture feed in Bangladesh. However, microplastic (MP) contamination in these species remains poorly quantified, limiting understanding of risks to food safety and aquaculture sustainability. This study aimed to quantify MPs in 10 prevalent trash fish from the eastern coast of Bangladesh, assess exposure risks to human health, and infer their potential role in transferring MPs to aquaculture via fishmeal. In this study, MP abundance was highest in Cynoglossus arel (muscle: 2.00 ± 0.25 MPs/g; gastrointestinal tract (GIT): 5.00 ± 0.29 MPs/g) and lowest in Escualosa thoracata (muscle: 0.33 ± 0.14 MPs/g; GIT: 0.20 ± 0.06 MPs/g). Fibers dominated across all species, accounting for 76.91%–100% in muscle and 100% in several GIT samples, with most particles < 0.5 mm. The predominant polymers were PE (32%), PET (24%), and PP (18%), largely originating from textiles, packaging, and fishing gear, with species-specific patterns. Risk assessment using the Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) indicated moderate environmental contamination (PLI: 1.32–1.84). Polymer-associated risks were moderate to high (PHI: 122.6–187.3; Potential Risk Index: 268.5–402.1), with the highest PHI recorded in species dominated by PET and polystyrene. Notably, Eupleurogrammus muticus and Otolithoides pama present considerable ecological and health risks to humans. Direct consumption of these fishes or use in fishmeal production may facilitate the transfer of MP into seafood chain. Dietary exposure estimates were highest for children (3.12 items/kg bw/day) versus adults (1.08 items/kg bw/day), highlighting increased vulnerability in younger populations.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Microplastics / Ecological risk / Fishmeal / Human exposure / Marine trash fish

Highlight

	● MP abundance was highest in Cynoglossus arel , lowest in Escualosa thoracata .
	● Fibers dominated in MPs (77%–100%), mostly smaller than 0.5 mm.
	● PE, PET, and PP were the main polymers from textiles, packaging, and gear.
	● Moderate environmental contamination but high polymer-specific hazards were observed.
	● Children face greater dietary exposure; fishmeal creates MP transfer to aquaculture.

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