Research Article
Occurrence and Ingestion of Plastic Particles in Marine Fish from Togolese Coast
Badjagoma Sizing*
,
Pondikpa Nadjombe,
Jean Baptiste Gbêssi Gnimassoun,
Koudjo Adje,
Nitale M'Balikine Krou,
Kokou Semeho Hundjoe,
Alaki-Massimpatom Sema,
Edem Komi Koledzi
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
45-50
Received:
11 August 2026
Accepted:
25 August 2026
Published:
15 October 2026
Abstract: The increase in plastic production towards the end of the Second World War, combined with inadequate plastic waste management, has contributed to the contamination of marine ecosystems. The ingestion of plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm, known as microplastics, by marine organisms has been documented. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that plastic particles can ultimately enter the human food supply. To achieve this objective, two fish species, pike and whiting, were sampled from commercial catches obtained from local fishers. Both species were sampled at the Kodjoviakope and Aneho sites. For each species, fifty (50) specimens were purchased. The fish were then dissected, and their stomach contents were examined using an Olympus C011 binocular stereomicroscope. In pike, 14% of the fish had ingested a plastic particle, whereas no plastic particles were detected in whiting. These findings highlight the need for consumers and other stakeholders to make greater efforts towards effective plastic waste management, as microplastics can act as vectors for micropollutants and chemical additives that may pose risks to human health. The findings also serve as a warning to stakeholders in the education and health sectors, who are encouraged to raise awareness among learners about the harmful effects of plastic waste, appropriate waste-management practices, and, ultimately, opportunities for its recovery and valorisation.
Abstract: The increase in plastic production towards the end of the Second World War, combined with inadequate plastic waste management, has contributed to the contamination of marine ecosystems. The ingestion of plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm, known as microplastics, by marine organisms has been documented. The aim of this study was to demonstra...
Show More
Research Article
Time- and Dose-dependent Toxicity of Syngonium podophyllum Schott (Araceae) Plant Extracts to Three Major Stored-product Pests
Nazmul Hoque,
Tandid Kamal,
Md. Nurul Islam,
M. Habibur Rahman*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
51-65
Received:
29 September 2026
Accepted:
12 October 2026
Published:
28 October 2026
Abstract: Insects that attack stored grain and pulses cause large losses of food, and the chemicals used against them are becoming less effective as the insects develop resistance. Plant extracts are one possible alternative. We tested extracts of Syngonium podophyllum Schott (Araceae), an ornamental plant grown widely in gardens and homes, against three of the most damaging stored-product pests: the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) and the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.). Dried plant material was extracted in turn with three solvents, petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol, which draw out different groups of plant chemicals. Adult insects were exposed to four doses of each extract, in three dishes of ten insects per dose, and dead insects were counted every 6 hours for 48 hours. The petroleum ether and methanol extracts killed all three pests, whereas the chloroform extract killed none. The petroleum ether extract was the most toxic: after 24 hours, the dose needed to kill half of the insects was 0.22 mg cm−2 for the red flour beetle and about 0.64 mg cm−2 for the other two pests, and it was two to six times more potent than the methanol extract. Mortality kept rising with time in every case, so less extract was needed the longer the insects were exposed, and at the highest petroleum ether doses half of the insects died within about 6 to 11 hours. These results show that S. podophyllum contains compounds that are toxic to major storage pests, mainly in its non-polar fraction. Identifying these compounds, and testing them on stored grain under practical conditions, are the next steps.
Abstract: Insects that attack stored grain and pulses cause large losses of food, and the chemicals used against them are becoming less effective as the insects develop resistance. Plant extracts are one possible alternative. We tested extracts of Syngonium podophyllum Schott (Araceae), an ornamental plant grown widely in gardens and homes, against three of ...
Show More
