Initial Discovery of Microplastic Presence in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Certain Fish Species in Al-Hoceima Bay

¹ Engineering Sciences and Applications Laboratory, National School of Applied Sciences of AlHoceima, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Tetouan, Morocco
² Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environment Engineering, University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Fez 30500, Morocco
³ Faculty of Science and Technology of Tangier, Department of Earth Sciences / Geosciences research team on natural risks / Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Tetouan, Morocco

^* Iliass.achoukhi@fso.ump.ac.ma

Abstract

The accumulation of plastic waste in ocean environments is a critical ecological issue impacting marine wildlife and human health. This study assesses the presence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish from Al-Hoceima Bay, a key part of the Mediterranean marine ecosystem. Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, we analyzed 90 individuals from two different species, finding that 33% of the examined fish contained microplastics. Specific occurrences were 26% in mackerel and 40% in gilthead sea bream. These findings highlight significant contamination even in commercial fishing areas, raising urgent questions about the long-term ecological effects and health risks. Therefore, the need for effective plastic waste management policies is critical to protect our marine ecosystems and food safety.