Microplastics Pollution and Fish Histopathology in Pulau Baai, Bengkulu

Abstract

Microplastics (<5 mm) are emerging contaminants in aquatic environments that can cause physiological disruption, oxidative stress, and increased mortality in fish. This study aimed to evaluate microplastic contamination and histological alterations in the gills and intestines of fish from Pulau Baai, Bengkulu Province. Microplastic analysis used 10% KOH digestion, while histological examination applied paraffin embedding and Hematoxylin Eosin staining. Four fish species, Euthynnus affinis, Selar crumenophthalmus, Johnius sp., and Scatophagus argus were analysed. Results showed microplastics in both gill and intestinal tissues, dominated by filament forms, followed by fragments and films. Abundance ranged from 98 to 287 particles/g, with the highest mean in mackerel tuna (178 particles/g). Black and transparent particles were most common. Histological analysis revealed gill damage including hyperplasia, epithelial lifting, lamellar shortening and fusion, edema, and lysis. Intestinal tissues showed lysis, villi erosion, abnormal goblet cells, and epithelial detachment. These findings indicate that microplastic accumulation is associated with tissue damage, reflecting environmental stress in Bengkulu coastal waters.