Microplastics ingestion by blue panchax fish (Aplocheilus sp.) from Ciliwung Estuary, Jakarta, Indonesia

Plastic pollution has a detrimental effect on marine environments, and there is limited information regarding its ingestion by biota, which is the primary consumer. Therefore, this research aims to assess microplastic ingestion by blue panchax fish (Aplocheilus sp.). To achieve this, microplastics were extracted and identified from Ciliwung estuary, coastal waters in North Jakarta, and the Aplocheilus sp. Its various forms and sizes were found in river flow (9.37 ± 1.37 particles/m3), coastal waters (8.48 ± 9.43 particles/m3), and in 75% samples of Aplocheilus sp. (1.97 particles/individual). The microplastic size which was of highest concentration in Aplocheilus sp. was relatively small, ranging from 300 to 500 μm. This small size indicates that the fish has difficulty in distinguishing between their food and the microplastics. Further, there was a possibility of the absorption of other pollutants by the plastics. Therefore, an in-depth study on the effects of plastic ingestion on aquatic life, biomagnification, exposure, chemical toxicity, and socio-economy is recommended. •Microplastics present in blue panchax fish habitat and 75% of lead-head fish•Microplastics found indicate that blue panchax fish have difficulty distinguishing their food.•A weak positive relationship between microplastic concentration ingest by blue panchax fish and body size•Various types of microplastic shapes and sizes indicate strong anthropogenic influences.