Occurrence of microplastic particles in Milkfish (Chanos chanos) from brackishwater ponds in Bonto Manai Village, Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract Pangkep Regency in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a milkfish producing region from which milkfish are distributed to fish markets or other regions. The location of the brackishwater ponds which are close to the sea and human settlements could allow microplastics as suspended particles to enter the milkfish gut. This study aimed to observe the number, shape, and color of microplastics in the guts of milkfish (Chanos chanos) from ponds in Bonto Manai Village, Pangkep Regency, and to analyze the relationship between the microplastics found and the hepatosomatic index (HSI). Milkfish samples were collected randomly from one brackishwater pond. Visual identification of the microplastics present in milkfish guts was carried out under a stereomicroscope. The results show that 46 out of 50 (92%) of milkfish sampled had microplastics in their digestive tracts. The average number of microplastics in Chanos chanos milkfish guts was 3.5 items/fish. The microplastic shape was dominated by line (92%) and blue (40%) was the most prevalent color. There was no correlation between the mean number of microplastics in milkfish guts and the mean hepatosomatic index (HSI); however, increasing value of HSI with the increase in number of microplastics found in the gut might indicate a reduction in the health condition of the fish.