Abundance, characteristics and seasonal variation of microplastics in Indian wgite Shrimps (Fenneropenaeus indicus) from coastal water off Cochin,Kerala,India
Abundance, characteristics and seasonal variation of microplastics in Indian wgite Shrimps (Fenneropenaeus indicus) from coastal water off Cochin,Kerala,India
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2020
Authors
Daniel, Damaris Benny
Ashraf, P. Muhamed
Thomas, Saly N
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
The microplastic contamination of seafood species is increasingly becoming a global concern
due to its potential influence on food safety and human health. This study investigated the
presence and seasonal variation of microplastics in a commercially important marine shrimp
species, Fenneropenaeus indicus, from the coastal waters of Cochin, India. The soft tissues of
330 shrimps were examined over a period of 12 months, from March 2018 to February 2019.
A total of 128 microplastics were detected, of which 83% were fibres. An average
(mean ± SD) of 0.39 ± 0.6 microplastics/shrimp (0.04 ± 0.07 microplastics /g wet weight)
was obtained from the shrimps sampled. Microplastic contamination was significantly higher
in July-August (Monsoon season) compared with other months. This study reports
microplastic contamination in F. indicus for the first time. Results also suggest that
consumption of peeled but undeveined or whole dried white shrimps can be one of the ways
of the human uptake of microplastics, especially during the monsoon season.
Description
Keywords
Fenneropenaeus indicus, Marine Debris, Human health