Assessment of Plastic Pollutants in shrimp Plesionika edwardsii(Brandt, 1851) in Syrian Marine Waters

Abstract

Plastic pollution in many marine organisms has become a global concern regarding human food and health. Therefore, the plastic pollution status in shrimp species consumed locally and globally, P. edwardsii, was assessed. These particles accumulate in their tissues, causing harm to the organism itself and to humans through transmission via the food web. Shrimp samples were collected from Banias and Jableh regions during the years 19/62025 and 1/3/2026. The samples were transferred to the laboratories of the Higher Institute for Marine Research and examined according to the reference methods followed. The results of the study showed the presence of plastic particles in the intestines of species and the edible parts from them (abdomin tissue).The average (mean ± SD) of number of plastic particles in the edible part of the Jableh samples was (4.1±5.65) microplastics/shrimp, while in the Baniyas samples it was 6.6±3.56 microplastics/shrimp, and mean of the number of plastic particles in the intestines of the Jableh and Baniyas samples was (6.5±4.75 ,4.1±5.65)microplastics/shrimp, respectively. An  average plasticparticles in grams in both tissues in Jableh samples was (0.834±0.71) microplastics /g wet weight and in Baniyas samples (1.40±1.54) microplastics /g wet weight. It also showed differences in their physical properties in terms of shape, color and size in both the leftover tissues and between the two studied regions. The fibrous shape of the plastic particles was represented in the highest proportion due to the damaged nets that were thrown fishing areas on the .shore