Occurrence and characterization of microplastics in the digestive system and gills of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Oman Sea.

Barati Goldareh, Mehdi; Shakouri, Arash

doi:10.48311/ecopersia.2026.104058.0

Occurrence and characterization of microplastics in the digestive system and gills of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Oman Sea.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mehdi Barati Goldareh

Arash Shakouri

Chabahar University of Maritime and Marine Sciences

10.48311/ecopersia.2026.104058.0

Abstract

Aims: Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), a commercially and ecologically significant migratory species, is vulnerable to microplastic ingestion because of its open-mouth swimming and extensive foraging range. This study aimed to provide the first evidence of microplastic presence and characteristics in the digestive tract and gills of this species from the understudied Oman Sea.
Materials & Methods: Twenty specimens were collected from artisanal fisheries in the Oman Sea near Chabahar. Digestive and gill tissues were digested using a modified KOH protocol optimized for wet samples, followed by density separation, filtration, and stereomicroscopy. Selected particles were characterized by FTIR.
Findings: Microplastics were present in 80% of digestive tracts (1–25 particles per fish) and 75% of gills (1–4 particles per fish), with fibers being the most common (85% in the gut, 81% in the gills), mostly transparent or blue. FTIR confirmed nylon and polyethylene.
Conclusion: This initial report highlights high microplastic exposure in yellowfin tuna from the Oman Sea, with more accumulation in the gut, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring in this area.

Keywords

Keywords: Microplastics

Yellowfin Tuna

Oman Sea

Subjects