Microplastic Pollution in the Marine Ecosystem: A Study of Seawater and Fish Samples from Bhaucha Dhakka and Versova Beach, Mumbai Coast

The prevalence of microplastics in our environment is well recognized, but the deep extent of its impact on ecosystems is unknown. This study investigates the prevalence of microplastics in seawater and three species (Bombay duck, Silver Pomfret, and Indian prawn) of commercially available marine fish from the Mumbai suburbs. The investigation found microplastics in both water and fish samples, with an average concentration of 20 ± 14.8 MPs/L and 42 ± 14.8 MPs/L in two water samples from Versova Beach and Bhaucha Dhakka selected for the study. And 70 ± 10, 36 ± 08, and 23 ± 09 MPs/L respectively in three fish species. The highest concentrations were found in water samples from Bhaucha Dhakka and Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) from Bhaucha dhakka. The discovery of microplastics in fish tissues raises concerns about their potentially harmful impact on fish health and the implications for human consumption.