Microfiber found on anchovy from Kawal market, Bintan Island and Banyuasin market, South Sumatera, Indonesia

Microplastics (MPs) contamination has become the most central issue in micro-pollutants research due to the possibility of MPs joining toxicity with other marine pollutants. Several studies have recorded that MPs contamination has occurred on the aquatic biota. Nevertheless, the studies on specific small pelagic fish are still few. In this research, we report that MPs in microfiber type are available for commercial fish like anchovy (Stolephorus spp.). This research examined the anchovy’s digestive tract (n = 15) from both Kawal market, Bintan Island, and Banyuasin market, South Sumatra Province. The samples were destructed with a mixture of 20 mL NaOH (1 M) and 20 mL of dissolved sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) 0.5% and then kept at room temperature for a week. The results show that the total microfiber on the anchovy from the Kawal market is 104±4.12 particles for each individual, followed by the Banyuasin market with 68±0.78 particles for each individual. The size ranges of microfiber are also recorded during the observation. Our findings show that both Kawal and Banyuasin’s anchovies ingested 50-500 μm size range of microfiber at most. For the Kawal market, we revealed the novelty of the new group of microfiber size ranges: > 1000 μm that were not detected in anchovies from Banyuasin. Anchovy is always available in all seasons. Hence, the anchovy is listed as one of the highest commercial seafood products in national fishery commodity from Indonesia marine waters. Small pelagic anchovies are critical components on the food web, providing dietary for the higher marine organisms. By consuming anchovy or seafood products regularly, human exposure to MPs contamination is possible.