Microplastic fragments and microbeads in digestive tracts of planktivorous fish from urban coastal waters

摘要: We investigated microplastics in the digestive tracts of 64 Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) sampled Tokyo Bay. Plastic was detected 49 out fish (77%), with 2.3 pieces on average and up to 15 per individual. All plastics were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Most polyethylene (52.0%) or polypropylene (43.3%). fragments (86.0%), but 7.3% beads, some which microbeads, similar those found facial cleansers. Eighty percent ranged size from 150 μm 1000 μm, smaller than reported range floating sea surface, possibly because subsurface foraging behavior reflected different distribution between surface waters waters. Engraulis spp. are important food for many humans other organisms around world. Our observations further confirm that have infiltrated marine ecosystem may be exposed them. Because retain hazardous chemicals, increase chemical exposure ingested is concern. Such should studied compared natural diet.