CONSUMPTION OF MICROPLASTICS BY BENTHOPHAGIC FRESH WATER FISH: A CASE STUDY OF STURGEON AND RUFFES FROM THE OB RIVER
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Аннотация
INTRODUCTION 4
LITERATURE REVIEW 5
1.1 Plastics: Background and Significance 5
1.2 Micro plastic Definition and Distribution in the Environment 6
1.3 Micro plastics in Freshwater Environments 9
1.3.1 Sources of Micro plastics in Freshwater Environments 9
1.3.2 Types of Micro plastics in Freshwater Environments 10
1.3.3 Distribution and Accumulation of Micro plastics in Freshwater Systems 13
1.4 Consumption of Micro plastics by Aquatic Organisms and Trophic Transfer 14
1.4.1 Trophic Transfer of Micro plastics 15
1.4.2 Potential Effects of Micro plastic Accumulation on Fish Health 16
1.4.3 Micro plastic Ingestion by Benthophagic Fish 17
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 18
2.1 Overview of the Ob River as a Study Area 18
2.2 Objects of the Study 19
2.2.1 Ruffs 19
2.2.2 Sturgeon 21
2.3 Sampling and Laboratory Processing of the Biological Material 22
2.3.1 . Sampling of Fish 22
2.3.2. Biological Analysis of the Fish and Sample Preparation 22
2.3.3 Laboratory Processing for extraction of micro plastics from fish organs(Gills and Intestine)
using alkaline digestion and separation by density 22
2.3.4 Detection and quantification of micro plastics 23
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 24
3.1 Biological Characteristics of The Studied Fishes 24
3.2 Micro plastic Quantification and Characterization in GIT of The Studied Fish 25
3.3 Micro plastic Quantification and Characterization in Gills of The Studied Fish 28
3.4 Associations Between Micro plastic Uptake and Biology of the Studied Fish 31
3.5 To compare the obtained results with published data to evaluate the local specificity of MPs
pollution and particle uptake by benthophagic fish 32
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 33
REFRENCES 35
INTRODUCTION 4
LITERATURE REVIEW 5
1.1 Plastics: Background and Significance 5
1.2 Micro plastic Definition and Distribution in the Environment 6
1.3 Micro plastics in Freshwater Environments 9
1.3.1 Sources of Micro plastics in Freshwater Environments 9
1.3.2 Types of Micro plastics in Freshwater Environments 10
1.3.3 Distribution and Accumulation of Micro plastics in Freshwater Systems 13
1.4 Consumption of Micro plastics by Aquatic Organisms and Trophic Transfer 14
1.4.1 Trophic Transfer of Micro plastics 15
1.4.2 Potential Effects of Micro plastic Accumulation on Fish Health 16
1.4.3 Micro plastic Ingestion by Benthophagic Fish 17
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 18
2.1 Overview of the Ob River as a Study Area 18
2.2 Objects of the Study 19
2.2.1 Ruffs 19
2.2.2 Sturgeon 21
2.3 Sampling and Laboratory Processing of the Biological Material 22
2.3.1 . Sampling of Fish 22
2.3.2. Biological Analysis of the Fish and Sample Preparation 22
2.3.3 Laboratory Processing for extraction of micro plastics from fish organs(Gills and Intestine)
using alkaline digestion and separation by density 22
2.3.4 Detection and quantification of micro plastics 23
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 24
3.1 Biological Characteristics of The Studied Fishes 24
3.2 Micro plastic Quantification and Characterization in GIT of The Studied Fish 25
3.3 Micro plastic Quantification and Characterization in Gills of The Studied Fish 28
3.4 Associations Between Micro plastic Uptake and Biology of the Studied Fish 31
3.5 To compare the obtained results with published data to evaluate the local specificity of MPs
pollution and particle uptake by benthophagic fish 32
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 33
REFRENCES 35
The term "micro plastics" (MPs) refers to plastic particles that are smaller than 5mm. These particles are causing increasing concern about their environmental impact, due to their extensive presence and the potential for negative effects on aquatic ecosystems. (Wagner et al., 2014). Particularly, the ingestion of MPs by benthophagic freshwater fish has increased increasing attention because these organisms are at the forefront of MPs exposure in riverine environments. For example, the Ob River, one of the largest rivers in Western Siberia, is home to a diverse range of fish species, including Acipenser ruthenus (sturgeon) and Gymnocephalus cernua (ruffes), which are known to be benthophagic and are thus likely to encounter and ingest MPs present in the river.
The aim of this study is to assess the uptake and accumulation of MPs by benthophagic fish for understanding scales and mechanisms of the particle trophic transfer in freshwater environments.
Specifically, this research aims to achieve the following objectives:
1. To quantify and characterize MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of Siberian benthophagic fish, namely sturgeons and ruffes.
2. To quantify and characterize MPs in gills of Siberian benthophagic fish,
3. To find possible associations of MPs in Siberian benthophagic fish with their biological characteristics.
4. To compare the obtained results with published data to evaluate the local specificity of MPs pollution and particle uptake by benthophagic fish.
By examining the presence and abundance of MPs in the gastrointestinal tracts and gills of sturgeon and ruffes, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into the extent of plastic pollution in the ecologically important Ob River system as previously proposed by Rochman et al. (2015). This thesis will begin by reviewing the current state of knowledge regarding plastic pollution in freshwater environments, with a specific focus on benthic habitats and the consumption of MPs by benthophagic fish. The subsequent chapters will detail the methods used to sample and analyze MP particles in the gastrointestinal tracts and gills of sturgeon and ruffes, as well as the results of these analyses and recommendations for future research.
The work was supported by the Development Program of Tomsk State University (Priority-2030).
The aim of this study is to assess the uptake and accumulation of MPs by benthophagic fish for understanding scales and mechanisms of the particle trophic transfer in freshwater environments.
Specifically, this research aims to achieve the following objectives:
1. To quantify and characterize MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of Siberian benthophagic fish, namely sturgeons and ruffes.
2. To quantify and characterize MPs in gills of Siberian benthophagic fish,
3. To find possible associations of MPs in Siberian benthophagic fish with their biological characteristics.
4. To compare the obtained results with published data to evaluate the local specificity of MPs pollution and particle uptake by benthophagic fish.
By examining the presence and abundance of MPs in the gastrointestinal tracts and gills of sturgeon and ruffes, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into the extent of plastic pollution in the ecologically important Ob River system as previously proposed by Rochman et al. (2015). This thesis will begin by reviewing the current state of knowledge regarding plastic pollution in freshwater environments, with a specific focus on benthic habitats and the consumption of MPs by benthophagic fish. The subsequent chapters will detail the methods used to sample and analyze MP particles in the gastrointestinal tracts and gills of sturgeon and ruffes, as well as the results of these analyses and recommendations for future research.
The work was supported by the Development Program of Tomsk State University (Priority-2030).
1. Sturgeon and Ruffe in the Ob River ingested in average from 2.90 ± 2.27 to 3.93 ± 3.08 MPs per individual, respectively, with no significant difference between the species. Particles were represented mainly by fibers followed by irregular shaped MPs of different polymers in the size range of <150 pm to 5 mm with different size distribution within the studied fish samples.
2. Content of MPs in the gills of Sturgeon and Ruffe in the studied samples varied from 1.49 ± 1.48 to 4.27 ± 4.64 items per individual, respectively, with no significant difference between the two species. Particles found in fish gills were represented mainly by fibers (72% in Sturgeon 98% in Ruffes) followed by irregular shaped MPs in the size range of < 150 pm to 5 mm.
2. After using Spear man correlation analysis, there was no significant associations found between MPs in GITs and gills of the studied fish and their biological characteristics.
3. Benthophagic fish in the Ob River, namely Ruffe, ingested less MPs compared to other findings in freshwater Ruffes in southwest Germany lakes. No data for sturgeon or other Acipenseridae to compare was published to date.
The results on MPs in ruffes included in the paper "Micro plastic Ingestion by Fish with Different Feeding Habits in the Ob and Yenisei Rivers" by Vorobiev D.S., Frank Y.A., Rakhmatullina S.N., Vorobiev E.D., Poskrebysheva Y.R., Oladele O.A., Trifonov A.A., which is accepted for publication in TSU Journal of Biology (Vol. 66, 2024).
Summary of Key Findings. The comprehensive review of MP uptake by benthophagic fish in freshwater environments, with a focus on studies conducted in the Ob River, has provided valuable insights into the extent of MP pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Key findings include the widespread presence of MP in fish gastrointestinal tracts and gills, indicating significant uptake and potential accumulation of these particles by aquatic organisms. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of considering local factors such as hydro logical dynamics, land use patterns, and anthropogenic activities in assessing Mp pollution in freshwater systems.
Implications for Research and Management of Micro plastic Pollution in Freshwater Environments.
The findings from studies on MP uptake by benthophagic fish have important implications for research and management of MP pollution in freshwater environments. First, these findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and assessment of MP contamination in rivers, lakes, and other freshwater ecosystems to understand spatial and temporal variations in pollution levels and sources. Second, the identification of fish species with high MP uptake rates, such as sturgeons and ruffes, highlights the importance of incorporating these organisms into bio monitoring programs to assess ecosystem health and inform management strategies. Finally, the study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate ecological, hydro logical, and socioeconomic perspectives to address the complex drivers and impacts of MP pollution in freshwater environments.
Recommendations for Future Studies on Micro plastic Uptake by Benthophagic Fish.
Future studies on MP uptake by benthophagic fish should focus on several key areas to advance our understanding of this phenomenon and its ecological implications. First, research efforts should prioritize the development of standardized sampling and analysis protocols to facilitate comparisons across different studies and regions. Second, studies should investigate the mechanisms underlying MP ingestion, accumulation, and trophic transfer in freshwater food webs, including the role of fish behavior, physiology, and habitat characteristics. Third, there is a need for long-term monitoring programs to assess trends in MP pollution over time and evaluate the effectiveness of management interventions. Finally, future research should explore the potential synergistic effects of MP with other environmental stressors, such as nutrient pollution and climate change, on freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity.
In conclusion, the synthesis of findings from studies on MP uptake by benthophagic fish in freshwater environments provides a foundation for future research and management efforts to address this emerging environmental challenge.
2. Content of MPs in the gills of Sturgeon and Ruffe in the studied samples varied from 1.49 ± 1.48 to 4.27 ± 4.64 items per individual, respectively, with no significant difference between the two species. Particles found in fish gills were represented mainly by fibers (72% in Sturgeon 98% in Ruffes) followed by irregular shaped MPs in the size range of < 150 pm to 5 mm.
2. After using Spear man correlation analysis, there was no significant associations found between MPs in GITs and gills of the studied fish and their biological characteristics.
3. Benthophagic fish in the Ob River, namely Ruffe, ingested less MPs compared to other findings in freshwater Ruffes in southwest Germany lakes. No data for sturgeon or other Acipenseridae to compare was published to date.
The results on MPs in ruffes included in the paper "Micro plastic Ingestion by Fish with Different Feeding Habits in the Ob and Yenisei Rivers" by Vorobiev D.S., Frank Y.A., Rakhmatullina S.N., Vorobiev E.D., Poskrebysheva Y.R., Oladele O.A., Trifonov A.A., which is accepted for publication in TSU Journal of Biology (Vol. 66, 2024).
Summary of Key Findings. The comprehensive review of MP uptake by benthophagic fish in freshwater environments, with a focus on studies conducted in the Ob River, has provided valuable insights into the extent of MP pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Key findings include the widespread presence of MP in fish gastrointestinal tracts and gills, indicating significant uptake and potential accumulation of these particles by aquatic organisms. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of considering local factors such as hydro logical dynamics, land use patterns, and anthropogenic activities in assessing Mp pollution in freshwater systems.
Implications for Research and Management of Micro plastic Pollution in Freshwater Environments.
The findings from studies on MP uptake by benthophagic fish have important implications for research and management of MP pollution in freshwater environments. First, these findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and assessment of MP contamination in rivers, lakes, and other freshwater ecosystems to understand spatial and temporal variations in pollution levels and sources. Second, the identification of fish species with high MP uptake rates, such as sturgeons and ruffes, highlights the importance of incorporating these organisms into bio monitoring programs to assess ecosystem health and inform management strategies. Finally, the study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate ecological, hydro logical, and socioeconomic perspectives to address the complex drivers and impacts of MP pollution in freshwater environments.
Recommendations for Future Studies on Micro plastic Uptake by Benthophagic Fish.
Future studies on MP uptake by benthophagic fish should focus on several key areas to advance our understanding of this phenomenon and its ecological implications. First, research efforts should prioritize the development of standardized sampling and analysis protocols to facilitate comparisons across different studies and regions. Second, studies should investigate the mechanisms underlying MP ingestion, accumulation, and trophic transfer in freshwater food webs, including the role of fish behavior, physiology, and habitat characteristics. Third, there is a need for long-term monitoring programs to assess trends in MP pollution over time and evaluate the effectiveness of management interventions. Finally, future research should explore the potential synergistic effects of MP with other environmental stressors, such as nutrient pollution and climate change, on freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity.
In conclusion, the synthesis of findings from studies on MP uptake by benthophagic fish in freshwater environments provides a foundation for future research and management efforts to address this emerging environmental challenge.
