Assessment of Microplastic Ingestion in Commercial Marine Fish From Cities of Sibu and Kuching, Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an ever‐growing issue in the marine ecosystem around the world. However, the study on MP pollution in marine fish remains limited, particularly those conducted in Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia. Hence, this study investigated the occurrence of MP on the marine fish, collected from local fish market in the city of Sibu and Kuching, Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia. The MP samples were examined from 5 g of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) across 22 species of fish. The samples were extracted by digesting (KOH solution), followed by density separation (NaCl solution) and filtration. Then, the samples were identified and characterized under stereomicroscope and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). As the result, an estimated of 6107 particles of MP were found on GIT from all species. The highest abundance was found in Pacific Sardine ( Sardinops Sagax ) with 383.24 particles, while the lowest abundance was found in Japanese Sea Bass ( Lateolabrax Japonicus ) with 181.22 particles. The most dominant shape was fiber with 61.46%, the dominant size of MP was less than 1000 µm with 87%, and the blue was the most prevalent color, with a proportion of 65.83%. The FTIR analysis detected polyester (PES) and polyamide (PA) in the sample. This study investigates the occurrence of MP ingestion in commercial marine fish and indicates the potential for human exposure to contaminated fish. Moreover, this study provides additional data references, to support long‐term monitoring program, as well as the development and implementation of standardized sampling and analytical protocols for local policymakers and stakeholders, which could help improve the understanding of MP pollution and protect marine ecosystem in the cities of Sibu and Kuching, Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia.