Microplastic characterization in the stomachs of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from the western Mediterranean Sea

9 pages, 3 figures, 4 tables, supplementary data https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116767.-- Data availability: Data will be made available on request

In this study, we aimed to quantify the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the stomachs of large pelagic fish (swordfish, Xiphias gladius, Linnaeus, 1758) sampled in the western Mediterranean Sea, and assess temporal trends (2011–2012 vs. 2017–2019) in MP ingestion. MPs were extracted from stomachs and characterized by μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results highlighted the ingestion of MP in 39 out of 49 stomachs analysed. Ingested MPs consisted mostly of small (<1 mm) fibers (88.6 %, mean ± standard deviation = 2.5 ± 6.1 particles per stomach), with a greater frequency of occurrence (FO) in the second period (FO = 90 %, 3.3 ± 8.0 particles per stomach). The predominant colours were purple, black and blue, and polyethylene terephthalate was the most frequently detected polymer. These results are crucial for the development of management actions aimed at the conservation of swordfish in the Mediterranean Sea and the prevention of health risks to humans

The GPM-4 project has been co-funded by the EU through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) within the National Program of collection, management and use of data in the fisheries sector and support for scientific advice regarding the Common Fisheries Policy. This work also acknowledges the “Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence” accreditation (CEX 2019-000928-S) to the Institute of Marine Science (ICM-CSIC)

Peer reviewed