Investigation of Microplastic Accumulation in Horse Mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) Caught in the Black Sea

The marine ecosystem is prone to pollution exposure due to a number of factors. Microplastic (MP) pollution has been a severe issue recently; however, studies on marine organisms are limited. The abundance and composition of MPs in highly consumed horse mackerel caught from the Turkish coast of the Black Sea were investigated here. A total of 27 MPs were detected in 121 horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus). The mean of MPs per fish was calculated as 0.22±0.14. While polyethylene was the most prevalent type, fiber, with a length range of 500 to 1000 µm (33%), was the most common form. These findings suggest that more study is required to determine the magnitude of MP contamination in the Black Sea.