Evidence of elevated microplastic accumulation in Pacific Island mangrove sediments.

Although microplastics (MPs) in the environment are well-reported, there is a geographical research gap, particularly in Pacific Island Countries and Territories. Recognising the critical role mangroves play in regulating the exchange of sediment and pollutants between land and ocean, we conducted research in Fiji to compare levels of sediment MPs within mangroves with those in surrounding sediments, and to assess differences between urban and rural areas. MPs were found to be significantly higher in sediments collected inside the mangroves (13.

Comparison of historical (1980s) and contemporary (2023-2024) microplastic contamination of arc clams (Anadara spp.) from tidal flats in Suva, Fiji.

Microplastic pollution threatens marine ecosystems, especially in vulnerable regions like the Pacific Islands. This study examines temporal trends by comparing Anadara spp. specimens from Fiji's tidal flats in the 1980s and 2023-2024.

Microplastic occurrence in 21 coastal marine fish species from fishing communities on Viti Levu, Fiji.

Microplastic contamination in fish is a growing concern in Fiji's marine ecosystems, yet comprehensive data across diverse species and fishing grounds remain scarce. This study analyses microplastic ingestion in 184 fish from 21 species across three Viti Levu communities (Galoa, Silana, Yadua). Microplastics were found in 74 % of fish, with 399 particles identified: fibers (66 %), fragments (20 %), and films (14 %).

Water quality within the greater Suva urban marine environment through spatial analysis of nutrients and water properties.

Coastal ecosystems in Pacific Island Countries and Territories are vital to local livelihoods, yet increasingly face pressures from urbanization. In Fiji, the Greater Suva Urban Area, where one-third of the nation's population live, exemplifies these challenges. This study examines spatial and temporal water quality variations in the coastal zone, focusing on physicochemical, nutrients, and clarity parameters.

Occurrence of microplastics within a freshwater aquaculture system in the Pacific Islands, Viti Levu, Fiji.

Microplastics (MPs) have become frequent topics of research within Pacific Islands (PIs) in recent years; however, within PI freshwater aquaculture systems, MPs have not yet been quantified. As such this study is aimed at quantifying and characterizing the MP load from across a freshwater aquaculture system within Fiji. Water, sediment, and fish samples were collected from various stages between water source and drainage channels of an aquaculture facility in Navua, Fiji.

Screening of pharmaceuticals in coastal waters of the southern coast of Viti Levu in Fiji, South Pacific.

The global reliance on pharmaceuticals coupled with the lack of effective treatment methods has resulted in pseudo-persistence of pharmaceuticals within the environment. Globally, efforts to quantify and monitor pharmaceuticals within the environment have been well underway, however few studies have been made within small Pacific Islands. This study aims at screening for the occurrence and concentration of pharmaceutical residues within the southern coastal waters of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu.

Microplastics in subsurface coastal waters along the southern coast of Viti Levu in Fiji, South Pacific.

Microplastics (MPs) remain largely understudied in Small Island Developing States. This study is aimed at comparing the abundance and characteristics of MPs in rural and urban marine coastal sites located along the southern coast of Fiji's main inhabited island, Viti Levu. Collection of subsurface waters (at depth of ca.

Redirection of ambient light improves predator detection in a diurnal fish.

Cases where animals use controlled illumination to improve vision are rare and thus far limited to chemiluminescence, which only functions in darkness. This constraint was recently relaxed by studies on , a small triplefin that redirects sunlight instead. By reflecting light sideways with its iris, it has been suggested to induce and detect eyeshine in nearby micro-prey.