Effects of microplastic ingestion on feeding activity in a widespread fish on the southwestern Atlantic coast: Ramnogaster arcuata (Clupeidae)

Abstract

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the fish gastrointestinal tract has been documented in several studies. However, it is unclear whether this ingestion is active or passive and whether it affects feeding activity in natural environments. In this study, three sites with different anthropogenic pressure were selected from the Bahia Blanca estuary, Argentina, and the small zooplanktivorous pelagic fish Ramnogaster arcuata was used to evaluate MP ingestion and its effect on specie's trophic activity. We analyzed the zooplanktonic composition, levels, and types of MPs in both the environment and the stomach contents of R. arcuata. Moreover, we assessed the trophic behavior of R. arcuata to determine electivity, stomach fullness, and vacuity indexes. The results showed that despite the availability of prey in the envi- ronment, 100 % of the specimens ingested MPs, and their levels and characteristics were different according to the site. Stomach contents at sites related to harbor activities presented the lowest MPs concentrations, most of them were paint fragments, with the smallest sizes and a low diversity of colors. The highest MP ingestions were found near the principal sewage discharge, being mostly microfibers, followed by microbeads, and with a greater variety of colors. Electivity indices showed that R. arcuata has a passive or active ingestion according to the size and shape of MPs. In addition, the lowest stomach fullness index and the highest vacuity index values were associated with the highest level of MP ingestion near the sewage discharge. Altogether, these results demonstrate a negative effect of MPs in the feeding activity of R. arcuata and help to elucidate some mechanisms by which these particles are ingested by a bioindicator fish used in South America.