Abstract

RIOS, Juan Manuel. The role of color in the intake of microplastic fragments by zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2022, vol.38, 54523.  Epub Feb 28, 2023. ISSN 0188-4999.  https://doi.org/10.20937/rica.54523.

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the stomach contents of freshwater fish has been globally reported. However, the mechanisms underlying the consumption of MPs by aquatic biota are still unclear. In this study, the fundamental question of why wild freshwater fish ingest plastic was investigated. The intake of MPs due to confusion by fish with their natural prey, such as plankton, is a hypothesis that has gained importance lately. Therefore, the color of MPs could influence their consumption, especially in visual predators. In order to evaluate the intake of MP fragments according to the color (red, green, yellow, white, black and blue), a multiple-choice experiment was performed in the laboratory using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as test species. The results indicated that the zebrafish preferred to ingest blue fragments, while avoiding green and white fragments when faced with an equitable supply of different-colored MPs. Although it is not yet clear how the color of the plastic is related to selectivity and consumption in freshwater fish, the visual skills of the fish could help to explain why certain colors are attractive to a particular fish species.

Keywords : avoidance; microplastics; preference; freshwater fish.

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