Influência da atividade pesqueira na contaminação por plásticos em peixes do Lago Viana, Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) da Baixada Maranhense

Abstract

Plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems poses a challenge to biodiversity conservation and food security, especially in regions where artisanal fishing is a socially relevant activity. This study evaluated the occurrence and characterized plastic particles in two biomonitor fish species, Pygocentrus nattereri and Hypostomus plecostomus, collected in Lake Viana, Maranhão, during the dry and rainy seasons. Biometric data (weight, total length, and standard length) were recorded, and stomach contents were analyzed to identify plastic particles according to type, color, size, and polymeric composition. Statistical analyses included comparisons between seasonal periods and species, as well as correlations between biometric variables and the number of ingested particles. A total of 79 plastic particles were identified, with an absolute dominance of fibers (94–100%) and a smaller proportion of fragments. The most frequent colors were transparent and blue, varying according to species and season. Infrared spectroscopy revealed a predominance of polyamide (51.9%) and rayon (24.1%), followed by polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyurethane. No significant differences were found in plastic ingestion between species or seasonal periods. The ecotoxicological risk assessment, based on chemical composition and polymer hazard

categories, indicated that most detected polymers are classified as moderate risk, although high- risk materials such as polystyrene and polyurethane were also present. The results indicate that

exposure to plastic particles in Lake Viana is more strongly influenced by the environmental availability and persistence of plastic debris than by species-specific traits, highlighting the need for integrated mitigation strategies. This study contributes to advancing knowledge on plastic pollution in tropical freshwater environments and aligns with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, particularly Sustainable Development Goals 3, 12, and 14.