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Aquatic Plant Mediates Microplastic Bioavailability in Herbivorous Freshwater Fish.
Shinnosuke Yamahara1, Yoichi Era1, Haruhiko Nakata2
1Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan.
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in urban lake fish, especially herbivores, with aquatic plants acting as a key pathway for MP ingestion by fish.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Aquatic Ecology
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a growing concern in freshwater ecosystems.
- Understanding the pathways of microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic food webs is crucial.
- Urban lakes are particularly vulnerable to microplastic accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater fish and aquatic plants.
- To identify the primary sources and pathways of MP contamination in an urban lake.
- To assess the role of aquatic plants in the trophic transfer of MPs to fish.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microplastics (0.1-5 mm) in herbivorous and carnivorous fish species (Nile tilapia, Redbelly tilapia, largemouth bass, snakehead) and aquatic plants from an urban lake in Kumamoto, Japan.
- Quantification of MP abundance, polymer types (PE, PP, PET), shapes, and colors.
- Comparison of MP characteristics between fish and aquatic plants from the same locations.
- Identification of potential MP sources, including stormwater runoff and wastewater treatment plant outlets.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in 82% of herbivorous fish at 10 ± 13 items ind⁻¹, significantly higher than carnivorous fish.
- Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the dominant polymers (83%) in fish.
- Aquatic plants retained MPs (4.6-35 items g⁻¹ dry weight), with similar polymer profiles, shapes, and colors to those in herbivorous fish.
- Higher MP abundances were found in fish near stormwater runoff and wastewater treatment plant outlets.
Conclusions:
- Herbivorous fish are significantly exposed to microplastics in urban lake environments.
- Aquatic plants serve as a crucial mediator, increasing microplastic bioavailability to fish through surface adsorption and subsequent ingestion.
- Trophic transfer of MPs from aquatic plants to herbivorous fish is a significant pathway in this ecosystem.
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