Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Quantifying nano- and microplastics (NMPs) in ocean predators is fundamental to understanding the prevalence of these contaminants and potential impacts on ecosystem health. Pyrolysis gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with lipid correction was used to determine NMP concentrations and polymer composition in the muscle tissue of two pelagic predators (dolphinfish [ Coryphaena hippurus ], yellowfin tuna [ Thunnus albacares ]) across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Species-specific differences in NMP concentrations were observed, with body burdens often markedly lower in yellowfin tuna relative to dolphinfish within regions or ocean basins. Differences in NMP concentrations were evident among ocean basins for both species while intra-ocean variation within the Atlantic Ocean or Pacific Ocean was more limited. Polyethylene was the dominant polymer present in the muscle tissue of both species followed by nylon-66, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. Spatial variaton in polymer composition and NMP concentrations was reflective of regional plastic emissions and may serve as indicators of an individual’s geographic origin and environmental history. No relationship between NMP body burden and trophic position was observed for either species. Trophic position of yellowfin tuna was consistently higher than dolphinfish in nearly all regions examined despite displaying lower NMP concentrations. Our findings establish that NMPs are pervasive in top predators in the ocean and represent a far-reaching threat to marine ecosystems.
Source: Scientific Reports
Authors: Jay R. Rooker, Karl Kaiser, R. J. David Wells, Michelle Zapp Sluis, M. Bryan Gahn, Alexandra Prouse, Alejandro Acosta, Piero Addis, Michael A. Dance, Beatrice Padovani Ferreira, Manel Gazo, Bonnie J. Holmes, Sébastien Jaquemet, Chi-Ju Yu, Shoou-Jeng Joung, Firdes Saadet Karakulak, Daniel L. Lippi, Julian G. Pepperell, Landes L. Randall, Phillip J. Sanchez, Brad L. Smith, Owyn E. Snodgrass, Ryan M. Tharp, Anna Traina
Institutions: Texas A&M University at Galveston, Texas A&M University, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Cagliari, Louisiana State University, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Universitat de Barcelona, University of the Sunshine Coast, University of Reunion Island, Écologie Marine Tropicale des Océans Pacifique et Indien, National Taiwan Ocean University, Istanbul University, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center, North Carolina State University, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, Istituto di Scienze Marine del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, National Research Council
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W7167512329