Assessing the Impact of Microplastic Exposure on Growth Performance and Feed Conversion Efficiency in Freshwater Aquaculture Systems
Keywords:
Microplastics, Freshwater Aquaculture, Growth Performance, Feed Conversion Ratio, Production EfficiencyAbstract
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of microplastic exposure on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, survival rate, and overall productivity in freshwater aquaculture systems. The increasing presence of microplastics in aquatic environments raises concerns regarding their potential impact on cultured fish and aquaculture sustainability.
Subjects and Methods: A quantitative experimental approach was conducted using freshwater cultured fish maintained in controlled aquaculture tanks. Fish were exposed to different microplastic concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L) to simulate environmental contamination levels. Growth performance was assessed through weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR), while feed efficiency was evaluated using the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). Survival rate and total biomass production were also recorded. Water quality parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH, were maintained within optimal ranges. Data were analyzed using comparative and dose–response analyses to determine the relationship between microplastic exposure and fish performance indicators.
Results: The results showed that increasing microplastic concentrations significantly reduced growth performance and feed utilization efficiency. Fish exposed to higher microplastic levels exhibited lower weight gain, reduced SGR, and higher FCR values, indicating inefficient feed conversion. Survival rate and total biomass production also declined with increasing exposure. These findings suggest that microplastics disrupt digestive processes, nutrient absorption, and metabolic balance, resulting in physiological stress and reduced productivity.
Conclusions: Microplastic contamination negatively affects fish performance and aquaculture productivity, highlighting the need for effective environmental monitoring and pollution mitigation strategies to support sustainable freshwater aquaculture development.
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