Transfer pattern of microplastics at an individual level: A case study of two typical Sciaenidae fish in coastal waters

Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as global pollutants. The occurrence and distribution of MP transfer at the species level have been reported, but few studies have focused on the individual level. In this study, two typical migratory demersal species (Collichthys lucidus and Larimichthys polyactis, family Sciaenidae) from the coastal waters of the Lvsi fishing ground were selected to analyze the distribution characteristics of MPs in their gastrointestinal tracts and to explore the potential biomagnification of MPs in different body lengths. The results showed that the main MP color found in both species was blue (>80 %), while the main MP shape was fiber (>90 %), and the main MP polymer type was polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (>70 %). Overall, the abundance of MPs in C. lucidus (3.24 ± 1.57 pieces/fish) was higher than that in L. polyactis (2.24 ± 0.56 pieces/fish). The abundance of MPs in C. lucidus with a body length >90 mm was significantly higher than that with a body length