Microplastic occurrence in the digestive system and health status assessment in a commercially important cephalopod species, Sepia officinalis from the Gulf of Patti (southern Tyrrhenian Sea)

Abstract

Cephalopods are ecologically and economically important species and play a key role in marine ecosystems. However, knowledge about the presence and effects of microplastic (MP) ingestion in this taxonomic group is still limited.

The present research aimed to explore plastic ingestion and health status in the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, from the Gulf of Patti in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, for the first time. In addition, this helps in assessing the MP pollution risks in the area. Plastic occurrence and characterization were investigated, and Le Cren's relative condition factor (Kn) calculated as an index of health status. MP concentrations and polymer hazardous were also used to preliminarily detect the environmental risk.

High MP occurrence values (%O = 69) were recorded in this commercially important cephalopod species from the Mediterranean Sea suggesting that the habitat, feeding habits and digestive system (morphology and function) play an important role in affecting the occurrence and distribution of MP in S. officinalis. Absence of a clear correlation between MP ingestion and Kn in this study does not exclude the possibility of more subtle or long-term impacts of plastic on common cuttlefish health. Preliminary risk assessment confirms that the study area is subject to MP pollution and hazardous polymers.

The data from this study suggests that common cuttlefish have the potential to be usefully assessed as a bioindicator for Mediterranean scale plastic pollution monitoring. We propose the addition of this species to the current monitoring programs such as the ones performed within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.