Microplastics and Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Coastal Fish of Sharjah

Marine ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf are increasingly exposed to multiple anthropogenic pollutants, particularly heavy metals and microplastics. Heavy metals such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) enter coastal environments through industrial activities, desalination discharges, maritime transport, and urban runoff. At the same time, microplastics generated from the degradation of plastic debris and wastewater inputs have become widespread in marine environments. Recent studies suggest that microplastics can act as vectors for toxic chemicals, potentially enhancing the transport and bioaccumulation of contaminants within marine food webs. However, the relationship between microplastic ingestion and heavy metal accumulation in marine organisms remains poorly understood in the waters of the UAE. This project aims to investigate the co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in coastal marine fish collected along the Gulf of Oman coast of the Emirate of Sharjah. The study will quantify the abundance, size distribution, and polymer types of microplastics ingested by selected fish species and measure concentrations of key heavy metals in fish tissues. Statistical analyses will evaluate potential correlations between microplastic ingestion and heavy metal accumulation, considering species characteristics, trophic level, and sampling location. The project will generate the first integrated dataset on microplastic–heavy metal interactions in UAE marine fish, supporting environmental monitoring, seafood safety assessments, and national policies aligned with the UAE National Environmental Policy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.