Occurrence of Microplastics in the Fish Mugil cephalus from Mahim Bay, Mumbai, India

Microplastic pollution is a growing concern in marine ecosystems, with increasing ingestion by aquatic organisms.This study investigated the occurrence, seasonal variation, and characterization of microplastics in the fish Mugil cephalus from Mahim Bay, Mumbai, India, during Pre-Monsoon, Monsoon, and Post-Monsoon seasons.Fish samples from Mahim Bay (Spot A) and Worli Koliwada Jetty (Spot B) were analyzed for microplastic color, shape, and polymer composition using microscopic examination and FTIR spectroscopy.Results showed high microplastic prevalence across all seasons, with Monsoon and Post-Monsoon seasons exhibiting the highest contamination levels.The predominant colors were Black, Blue, and Transparent, with fibers and fragments as dominant morphotypes.Pellets appeared during Monsoon and Post-Monsoon seasons, indicating seasonal shifts in pollution sources.Polyethylene (PE) and Nylon were the most common polymers, suggesting storm water runoff and industrial discharge as key contributors.ANOVA revealed that location and season independently were not significant (p > 0.05), but color had a significant effect (p < 0.004), with interactions between location and color (p < 0.002) and season and color (p 0).The study underscores the need for effective waste management policies and stricter regulations to mitigate microplastic pollution and its ecological and human health risks.