Suspected anthropogenic microparticle ingestion by Icelandic capelin

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Increasing documentation of microplastic and anthropogenic microparticle (AMP) ingestion by marine fish globally.
• Limited baseline data on AMP ingestion specifically within Arctic fish species.
• Need for understanding the prevalence and factors influencing AMP ingestion in commercially important Arctic fish.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the ingestion of AMP in Icelandic capelin (Mallotus villosus).
• To investigate the relationship between AMP ingestion and biological variables (body size, gut fullness, sex).
• To contribute baseline data on AMP ingestion in Arctic marine ecosystems.

Main Methods:

• Collection and digestion of 160 capelin gastrointestinal tracts using 10% potassium hydroxide.
• Visual inspection protocols to identify and quantify ingested AMP (particles > 45 μm).
• Statistical analysis to compare AMP ingestion frequency and abundance across sampling locations and biological variables.

Main Results:

• A total frequency of occurrence (%FO) of 52.5% for AMP was observed.
• Mean AMP abundance was 1.33 ± 2.37 particles per individual.
• Significant differences in AMP color were found between sampling locations, but no significant differences in %FO or mean abundance related to location, body size, gut fullness, or sex.

Conclusions:

• Icelandic capelin ingest AMP, with over half of individuals sampled containing particles.
• While AMP ingestion prevalence was high, it was not significantly influenced by fish size, sex, or gut fullness in this study.
• This research adds vital information to the understanding of microparticle pollution impacts on Arctic marine fauna.