2019 - 2019 Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) CLiP South Africa Microplastics in biota 2019

This dataset contains 3 csv files. One file (South_Africa_Biota_Microplastics.csv) reports the microplastic abundance in biota samples (anchovies, redeye round herring and sardines) collected and analysed in South Africa in 2019. The file contains data of the samples weight, length and number of microplastic items found. Fish is ordered by 'stratum' (geographical reference, please see South_Africa_Biota_Microplastics_Strata.doc). Fish of the same species in the same stratum were also stored in bags and a blank was measured in the lab to assess contamination while working with specimens from the same bag. Blank values are also reported. in the file. The file also reports information for each sample. Since fish populations were homogeneous in size and shape, body weight and length were recorded for only 5 individuals per bag, and averaged values are reported for all fish from that bag. Stomach weight was measured individually for all specimens. For sardines in strata E and F the lengths and weights of each fish were measured, allowing for further analysis on the health effects of microplastics in sardines. The file South_Africa_Biota_Microplastics_FishMeasurements.csv reports body weights and length of the specimen actually measured in each bag. A third file (South_Africa_Biota_Microplastics_FTIR.csv) contains the profiles of the ATR-FT-IR spectrum analysis of plastic pieces found in the fish stomachs., plus two profiles of known plastic for quality check A README text file contains the legend of the columns of the three csv files. The pictures of the plastic particles analysed with ATR-FT-IR can be obtained inquiring the data steward.