Isolation and characterisation of microplastics in fishmeals

Watt @ Gundie, Dorothy Uning (2017) Isolation and characterisation of microplastics in fishmeals. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPSK4 2017 48 3.pdf Download (15MB)

Abstract

Introduction: Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastics between 1 and 1000 µm in size. Primary MPs are plastics that are manufactured to be a size of microscopic size such as skincare products and air blasting technology. Microplastics are abundant in the marine environment as a result of fragmentation of the plastics disposed into the sea. Microplastics had been mistaken as the food for the marine organisms as MPs may appear to look like preys. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the presence of MPs in fishmeals manufactured in Malaysia. Methodology: Two different brands of fishmeals were purchased from manufacturers, digested and filtered. Isolation and characterisation of isolated particles were made according to the morphology and chemical composition. Morphology of isolated particles were investigated using visual characterisation whilst chemical composition (type of plastic polymer and additives) were conducted using micro-Raman spectroscopy. Result and discussion: The finding showed that there was significant difference of morphology, plastic polymers and additives between the brands. Conclusion: There was presence of MPs in the fishmeals and there are chances that these MPs can be transferred to the higher trophic level through ingestion of animals fed with MPs contaminated fishmeals, thus call for further study to improve understanding on the effect of MPs to human health in term of the physical and chemical impacts. Keywords: Microplastics, fishmeals, additives, plastic polymers

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	23 Jul 2024 04:24
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2024 04:24
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1881

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