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Microplastic contamination worsens the ecotoxicity of chlorpyrifos to cladoceran Ceriodaphnia cornuta (Sars, 1885) and Echinisca triserialis (Brady, 1886)
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Researchers found that microplastics worsen the toxic effects of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on two species of tiny freshwater crustaceans (cladocerans). When microplastics pre-loaded with chlorpyrifos were present, the combined exposure caused greater harm than either pollutant alone, reducing reproduction and survival rates. The study suggests that microplastics in agricultural waterways can act as carriers for pesticides, amplifying ecological risks to aquatic organisms.
The presence of microplastics (MPs) along with agrochemicals is being widely reported from lakes, ponds, and rivers. Microplastic (MP) in association with agrochemicals could have synergistic or antagonistic effects on non-target aquatic organisms and pose ecological risks. The present study explored the combined effects of MP, the insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and MP preconditioned with CPF (MP^) on two cladocerans, Ceriodaphnia cornuta, and Echinisca triserialis in short-term and long-term laboratory bioassay tests. The experimental protocol included an acute bioassay at five different concentrations of MP (25, 40, 100, 200, and 500 particles mL), CPF (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 µgL) and MP^. Whereas, CPF (0.01 µg L), MP (25 particles mL), and MP^ in 0.01 µg L of CPF were selected for the chronic bioassay. Upon exposure to CPF, C. cornuta and E. triserialis displayed a dose-dependent mortality pattern with a 48 h LC value of 0.06 µgL No mortality was observed in the MP only treatment, but when MPs were preconditioned with CPF, the 48 h LC value was 0.02 µgL. Chronic exposure to MP, CPF, or MP^ resulted in reduced survival and reproductive output in both the cladocerans. However, C. cornuta was more vulnerable than E. triserialis. A significant delay in age at first reproduction and shorter generation time were observed in the presence of MP^, suggesting MP-mediated enhanced toxicity of CPF, wherein CPF could have accumulated onto the MP surface, thus, intensifying its toxicity. The enhanced toxicity of organic pollutants by MPs in aquatic environments especially in pelagic organisms is a matter of concern.
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