Microplastic presence in the pelagic fish, Seriola dumerili, from Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean), and assessment of oxidative stress and detoxification biomarkers in liver

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are characterized by their high persistence in marine ecosystems, and due to their small size, they can be easily ingested by very diverse organisms. Although the presence of MPs in wild fish is well documented, there is still limited information on their potential to induce adverse effects. Pelagic fish species, because of their wide distribution, are considered good bioindicators for monitoring environmental pollution of marine ecosystems. This study investigated the presence of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of the predatory pelagic fish (Seriola dumerili) in the Balearic Islands (Mediterranean Sea), and the possible relationship with oxidative stress through the analysis of biomarkers in liver tissue. The results showed the presence of MPs in 98% of total samples examined (n = 52) with an average of 12.2 ± 1.3 MPs/individual. A greater amount of fibre-like particles was isolated compared to fragments. No correlation between the presence of MPs in the gastrointestinal contents and the size of the fishes was noted. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione-S-transferase showed increased activities in fish with higher MPs load. The activity ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and the levels of malondialdehyde were similar in both groups. In conclusion, the present results provide an important database on the assessment of the presence of MP debris in S. dumerili gastrointestinal tract and, the potential capability to cause oxidative stress.