Ocorrência de microplásticos na dieta dos peixes da praia da Fazendinha, Macapá, Amapá, Brasil

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are the primary destinations of many pollutants delivered in the watershed and many studies have shown that microplastics can negatively impact organisms exposed to these particles, resulting in population and ecosystem effects. Microplastics have been found in fish and the ingestion of these particles can cause various problems, such as gastrointestinal blockage, inflammation, among others, and may lead to death. The main objective of this study was to identify the presence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of fish species from the Fazendinha beach, in the Amazon River, and determine the feeding habits of these fish. The collections were carried out in October 2022 and 2023, and April 2023 and 2024. The gastrointestinal tract of fish and their gills were submitted to a chemical digestion by Potassium Hydroxide (KOH), and analyzed in stereo microscope for the presence of microplastics. 368 fish specimens of 38 different species were analyzed. The results showed that 37 species examined consumed microplastics, mainly fibers, with predominance of blue and black colors. The consumption of these particles is associated with length and trophic guild, but not weight. In addition, fuller stomachs and intestines contained more microplastics, and the highest consumption was during the dry season. It is concluded that plastic pollution in the waters of the Amazon River is already impacting the fish fauna present on the beach of Fazendinha.