Investigating the Dynamics of Microplastics in Marine Water and its Uptake in Fish: A Comparative Study of Waterborne Contaminants

The dynamics and prevalence of microplastics in marine water and their absorption by fish in these habitats is a major threat to marine ecosystems. This study focuses on investigating microplastic dynamics in marine waters and their uptake in fish. Water and fish samples were collected from Kumbhabhishekam Port, Kakinada, which is a coastal region with significant industrial and maritime activities. Sampling density was ensured by collecting samples at five strategic points, including areas near industrial discharges, commercial ports, and relatively cleaner zones, with sampling intervals of 1.5 km along the coast . Water quality was assessed using the Water Quality Index (WQI), which integrates parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, nitrates, and phosphates. The samples are collected and comprehensively analyzed for microplastics. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gravimetric analysis were employed to identify and quantify microplastics. We found significant accumulation of microplastics in the sea water, as well as within the gills, tissues, and gut of fishes. These particles have the propensity to adsorb harmful pollutants, thereby exacerbating the overall water pollution levels. The presence of microplastics in the water body and their accumulation in fish raises concerns about the transfer of contaminants to higher trophic levels of the food chain and their associated food webs, including humans. This study highlights the impact of waterborne contaminants to marine water. These alarming results underscore the importance of proactive measures to protect our water resources and emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive mitigation strategies to combat the hazardous accumulation of microplastic dynamics, which, along with their absorption, poses a significant threat to biodiversity and ecological balance and their potential implications for our marine ecosystem.