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Impact of micro- and nano-plastics on marine organisms under environmentally relevant conditions
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This review summarized the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on marine organisms including microalgae, crustaceans, snails, and fish at environmentally realistic concentrations. Researchers found that while some species showed tolerance at low concentrations, chronic exposure to nanoplastics in particular caused oxidative stress and behavioral changes. The study emphasizes that more research using real-world concentration levels is needed to accurately assess the risks microplastics pose to ocean life.
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) pollution is a major issue of global concern, and the impacts of MNPs to marine organisms under environmentally relevant conditions were reviewed. Occurrence and distribution of both microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in different marine environments were summarized based on current literature, showing that the maximal concentrations were 24.29 particles/L (Sanggou Bay) and 0.067 mg/L (polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) in Antarctica sea ice), respectively. Impact of MNPs to different species of marine organisms (microalgae, crustaceans, gastropods and fish) at environmental concentrations were discussed. For microalgae, MPs at environmental concentrations (≤ 2 mg/L) showed two different short-term performances: no significant effect (52%) or significant inhibition (48%) on growth, while the long-term MPs stress could be alleviated through microalgae adaptation. Notably, the promotion of microalgae growth was observed after both short-term and long-term exposures of NPs. For high-trophic organisms (crustaceans, gastropods and fish), MNPs could induce physiological damage, and even cause reproductive toxicity. Environmental factors (e.g., dissolved organic matter, salinity and temperature) could alter the bioavailability and toxicity of MNPs, which were systematically introduced. Additionally, the impact of MNPs on the composition and diversity of marine communities were emphasized. Knowledge gaps were finally pointed out for better understanding the impact of MNPs under environmentally relevant conditions. This review provides useful information on the impact and risk of MNPs to marine organisms and the entire ecosystem.
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This review analyzed 128 studies on the effects of nanoplastics on five representative freshwater and marine species, including microalgae, bivalves, crustaceans, and fish. Researchers found that even low concentrations of nanoplastics can cause oxidative stress, membrane damage, developmental disorders, and immune and nervous system dysfunction. The study highlights that particle size, concentration, aging status, and the presence of co-contaminants all influence toxicity, and calls for more research at environmentally realistic exposure levels.
Nanoplastics toxicity in aquatic organisms: a review of effects on selected marine and freshwater species
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This review synthesizes findings from 128 studies on the effects of nanoplastics on five representative freshwater and marine species, from microalgae to fish. Researchers found that even at low concentrations, nanoplastic exposure can cause oxidative stress, membrane damage, developmental disorders, and reproductive impairment across species. The study highlights significant knowledge gaps around chronic, environmentally realistic exposure levels and calls for standardized testing methods.
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