In this study we have identified and characterized microplastic particles (MPs) found in six fish species of commercial importance in central Chile. The fish species belong to different trophic levels and were obtained from the oceanic and coastal habitats. To analyze MPs, the fish gastrointestinal content was extracted, analyzed and characterized using a microscopy equipped with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The MPs found in fish samples were mainly constituted by red microfibers (70-100%) with sizes ranging between 176 and 2842 μm. Polyester, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were identified as the prevalent polymers detected. The coastal species showed the presence of microfibers with a higher size and abundance (71%) compared to oceanic species (29%), suggesting there is a greater exposure risk. These findings are consistent with results found in other investigations worldwide. However, further research is still needed to accurately establish the potential exposure risk for the public consuming these fish and the impact of MPs in the Chilean fishery activities.

Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation School of Science RMIT University GPO Box 2476 Melbourne Victoria 3001 Australia

Centro de Investigación de Polímeros Avanzados Avenida Collao 1202 Edificio Laboratorio CIPA Concepción Chile

Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment University of Siena Via P A Mattioli 4 53100 Siena Italy

Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología Universidad San Sebastián Lientur 1457 Concepción Chile

Instituto de Investigación Pesquera S A Región del Biobío Avenida Cristobal Colón 2780 Talcahuano Chile

RECETOX Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic

RECETOX Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic; Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología Universidad San Sebastián Lientur 1457 Concepción Chile

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