In fish, the fastest and most effective indicators of any physiological disturbance correspond to methods that evaluate hematological parameters and blood chemistry. Because parameters in the blood are directly related to pathologies, as well as implying the relationship of cells and metabolites with reproduction, growth, and other physiological factors. Currently, the use of plastics has caused the accumulation of fragments of these (microplastics) in various animal species, some of the most found in the ocean are polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon, causing endocrinological problems in the species that present them. The objective of this work was to determine the health status and the presence of microplastics in Mugil cephalus.
The organisms were collected at different points in the coastal area of the municipality of Ahome, Sinaloa, known as “La Robalera and Bahía del perro”, they were subsequently transported. to the laboratory for dissection and corresponding analysis. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and protein were analyzed in the blood of M. cephalus. Finding higher concentrations
of all the metabolites analyzed (although not very significant), with respect to these same parameters reported in Mugil curema, it is important to carry out these studies in different areas and populations of the species to establish hematological reference values.
The presence of microplastics in the stomachs of M. cephalus was analyzed, finding mainly nylon threads, which are commonly used in fishing gadgets such as nets, and fishing lines.