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Microplastic Contamination in Aquafeed Ingredients Used as Protein and Carbohydrate Sources
Mohamed Mohsen1,2, Fashun Su3, Jibin Lin3
1Xiamen Key Laboratory for Feed Quality Testing and Safety Evaluation, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, 361021, People's Republic of China. m.mohsen@azhar.edu.eg.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|September 21, 2024
Summary
Microplastic contamination was evaluated in common aquafeed ingredients. Poultry by-products showed the highest microplastic levels, primarily microfibers, indicating a significant risk to aquaculture species.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Aquaculture Nutrition
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Microplastic contamination is a growing concern in aquatic ecosystems.
- Understanding microplastic sources in aquafeed is crucial for mitigating risks.
- Feed ingredients can act as vectors for microplastic transfer to farmed fish.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify microplastic occurrence in key protein and carbohydrate feed ingredients.
- To identify dominant microplastic types and potential sources within the feed.
- To assess the risk of microplastic exposure for important aquaculture species.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microplastic content (particles/g) in fishmeal, soybean meal, poultry by-products, rice bran, wheat bran, and wheat flour.
- Identification of microplastic shapes and sizes.
- Estimation of pollution sources based on polymer composition.
Main Results:
- Microplastic levels varied significantly across ingredients, with poultry by-products showing the highest concentration (2.85 particles/g).
- Microfibers were the dominant shape, with sizes predominantly between 500–1000 μm.
- Polypropylene from packaging materials was identified as a major pollution source.
Conclusions:
- Poultry by-products represent a significant source of microplastic contamination in aquafeed.
- Microplastic pathways in aquaculture are better understood, aiding in quality improvement.
- This study provides a foundation for assessing microplastic exposure risks in aquaculture.
