Effect of parasitic infection on microplastic ingestion in a native leuciscid hybrid species (Alburnus derjugini x Squalius orientalis) from Kürtün Dam Lake, Türkiye

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) pollution is currently one of the most serious environmental issues. MPs were investigated in the Kürtün Dam Lake in healthy individuals of the native leuciscid hybrid (Alburnus derjugini x Squalius orientalis) species and individuals infected with the Ligula intestinalis parasite. Although MP abundance appeared to be higher in non-infected fish (NIF) than in L. intestinalis (L) and infected fish (IF), the MP abundance in IF was higher, because the parasite theoretically belongs to IF. In addition to the observation of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of fish, the diffusion of MPs by parasites settled in the body cavity indicates that MPs are not only present in the GIT. Therefore, predation on existing fish by birds causes MP dispersion. In the present study, the most common MP shape was fiber (100% for NIF and IF, 85.7% for L), the MP color was black (57.1% for IF and L) and orange (50% for NIF), and the polymer type was polyamide (57.1% for IF, 50% for NIF) and polyethylene terephthalate (28.5% for L). These MP compositions led us to believe that textile effluents and aquaculture operations in dam lakes could be sources of pollution. Therefore, this study provides insights for future research to elucidate the connection between MP consumption and parasite infection.