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Beyond Single Stressors: Integrated Physiological and Transcriptomic Responses of Argopecten irradians Exposed to Polystyrene and Toxic Dinoflagellates
Summary
Researchers exposed bay scallops to polystyrene microplastics and toxic algae both individually and in combination, finding that while survival remained above 90%, the combined exposure triggered elevated oxidative stress markers and more complex physiological disruption. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that microplastics primarily interfered with endocrine function while the toxic algae affected immune pathways, and co-exposure produced synergistic effects on metabolism and developmental regulation.
Toxic dinoflagellate blooms and microplastics are widespread coastal pollutants. In this study, the scallop, Argopecten irradians, was selected as an experimental organism to systematically investigate the single and combined toxic effects of polystyrene (PS) and the toxic dinoflagellate, Alexandrium pacificum. The results showed that both PS and algal cells could be ingested by A. irradians. The survival rate of A. irradians remained above 90% in both the single and combined treatment groups, indicating that 1 mg/L PS and 1500 cells/mL A. pacificum cells did not pose a serious threat to scallop survival in the short term. However, CAT, SOD, and GSH-ST activities, as well as MDA content, were all elevated in the combined treatment group. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed that A. pacificum primarily affected immune-related pathways, whereas PS might interfere with endocrine function through the release of additives. Combined exposure to PS and A. pacificum induced more complex synergistic effects, reflected in the metabolic stress of exogenous substances, and the disruption of developmental and homeostasis regulatory pathways. This study provides important theoretical support for assessing the threats posed by composite coastal pollution to aquaculture and marine ecological security.