We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Water biofloc microorganism enhance shrimp resistance to microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether water biofloc microorganisms could protect shrimp from microplastic toxicity in aquaculture, finding that biofloc significantly improved survival, immune enzyme activity, and gut microbiome stability under MP exposure — though it also reduced astaxanthin content, affecting pigmentation and muscle quality.
Microorganisms play a crucial role in modifying the physical-chemical properties and ecotoxicological effects of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems. However, existing studies have not been conducted in actual aquaculture environments, which are typically enriched with a variety of microorganisms. To address this, we have investigated the potential of water biofloc to mitigate MPs contamination in Litopenaeus vannamei aquaculture systems. Here, shrimps were subjected to varying concentrations of MPs in clean water and biofloc water. Results showed that clean water group displayed significantly lower survival rate (65.28 % ± 8.67 %) and diminished immune enzymes (i.e., lysozyme and polyphenol oxidase) activities compared to the water biofloc treatment (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the activities of digestive enzymes, antioxidant enzymes and Na/K-ATPase in the clear water and biofloc water treatments (p < 0.05). Notably, biofloc treatments maintained consistent proximate composition and enzymatic activities (p < 0.05), while demonstrating remarkable microbial community stability between aqueous and intestinal habitats that proved resilient to MPs exposure. However, biofloc microorganisms significantly reduced shrimp astaxanthin content (49.24 %), leading to declines in pigmentation, water-holding capacity, and muscle adhesiveness. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for assessing MPs-related risks in aquaculture and advancing ecologically sustainable shrimp farming. In addition, our study provides practical insights for promoting cleaner and more sustainable aquaculture practices.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of microplastic hazards in Penaeus vannamei shrimp in a typical estuary of China: polymer composition, risk assessment, and health implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in whiteleg shrimp from the Jiulong River estuary in China, finding five polymer types at 0.46 particles/g, with PVC comprising only 5.52% by count but contributing 98.11% of the total hazard risk index due to its toxic chemical additives. The disproportionate hazard posed by PVC despite its low abundance in farmed shrimp has direct food-safety implications, as commercially important shellfish in estuarine aquaculture systems are accumulating high-risk plastics consumed by people globally.
Characteristics and potential human health risks of microplastics for commercial shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei from South Yellow Sea Mudflat
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists studying shrimp from a Chinese coastal mudflat found tiny plastic bits (mostly microscopic fibers from packaging-type plastics) throughout the shrimp's bodies, with even more found in shrimp caught near river mouths where pollution runs off. The good news: most of these plastic particles were concentrated in the gut, so removing and not eating the digestive tract (something many people already do when peeling shrimp) significantly cuts down your exposure to microplastics.
Microplastics make shrimp more vulnerable to deadly disease
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that microplastic exposure makes larval shrimp significantly more susceptible to a deadly viral disease by prolonging virus survival in the environment and weakening the shrimp's immune defenses, with implications for seafood industry losses and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Detection of Microplastics in Commercially Important Shrimp via Chemical Digestion and Optical Microscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics in commercially important shrimp species using chemical digestion and optical microscopy, quantifying particle characteristics and raising food-safety concerns about human exposure through seafood consumption.
Microplastics in a tropical lentic environment: dynamics between sediments and the shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum
AI summary Read the abstract
A year-long study of a tropical Brazilian reservoir found microplastics in 90.9% of shrimp samples, with concentrations higher in gills and sediment than in stomachs, and positive correlations across all compartments indicating active trophic transfer. These results demonstrate that freshwater crustaceans in tropical lentic systems are consistently exposed to microplastics via both filter-feeding and sediment contact, with implications for food safety in regions where such shrimp are consumed.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.