Detection of microplastics in marine species from Pucusana, Peru, by stereoscopic microscopy and epifluorescence with Rhodamine B

Abstract

Microplastic contamination (< 5 μm) is a global problem with social, economic and environmental impacts. Its presence in marine species for human consumption has raised concerns due to the risks to health and ecosystems. Although legislation and analytical techniques have advanced worldwide, in Peru studies and regulations are still limited.This research was carried out in the Pucusana fishing market, where microplastic contamination has been detected in the coastal area. The digestive tracts and soft tissue of Mugil cephalus, Trachurus murphyi and Aulacomya atra were analyzed using stereoscopic microscopy, obtaining 100% positive cases, with T. murphyi as the species with the highest amount of microplastics. In all the individuals analyzed, synthetic fibers were the predominant type (> 80%). For the identification of microplastics by epifluorescence microscopy, Rhodamine B (100 µg/mL) was used and compared with Nile Red (10 µg/mL). Although microplastics treated with Rhodamine B at a concentration of 100 µg/mL showed fluorescence, it was lower in intensity than with Nile Red at a concentration of 10 µg/mL.