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Abstract

Microplastics, as emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, have the potential to transfer through food webs. This study aimed to determine the relative frequency of shape, size, color, and polymer type of microplastics present in the gastrointestinal tract of common kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris) from the Kiashahr coast (southeastern Caspian Sea) during winter and summer seasons. Sampling was conducted in winter at six stations (S1 to S6) and in summer at two stations (S1 and S2). After dissection, the gastrointestinal tract of 80 fish specimens was digested using 30% H₂O₂ and separated via flotation in NaCl solution. Microplastics were categorized by shape (fibers, fragments, films, foams), size (five classes), color (five groups), and polymer type (determined by FTIR spectroscopy). At all stations and in both seasons, fibers were the dominant shape (winter: 65–75%; summer: approximately 63%). The size class of 500–1000 µm exhibited the highest frequency (winter: 40–50%; summer: 46–49%). Black color consistently showed the highest percentage (winter: 45–50%; summer: 45–47%). Polyethylene (PE) was the dominant polymer (winter: >40%; summer: 43–47%), followed by polypropylene (PP). No significant difference was observed among stations regarding the distribution of microplastic characteristics (P>0.05). Microplastic contamination in Kiashahr, kilka exhibits a uniform seasonal and spatial pattern, indicating a widespread and persistent source of pollution. Black polyethylene fibers measuring 500–1000µm were identified as the most common contaminant type. Controlling the input of municipal wastewater and fishing-related waste into the sea appears essential.

Keywords

Microplastics Clupeonella cultriventris Caspian Sea Kiashahr Polyethylene Fiber

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The authors transfer the copyrights of their papers to the Iranian Society of Ichthyology. However, the information could be used in accordance with the Creative Commons licence (Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

How to Cite
MOTAMED, R., GHOLIZADEH, M., MOHAMMADZADEH, B., & NEMATI, M. (2026). Microplastic contamination in the gastrointestinal tract of Common Kilka (<i>Clupeonella cultriventris</i>) caught of the Kiashahr coast (Southeastern Caspian Sea). Iranian Journal of Ichthyology, 12(4), 325–332. https://doi.org/10.22034/iji.v12i4.1135
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