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Genotoxicity, mutagenicity and immunotoxicity assessment of microplastics and nanoparticle mixture in bullfrog tadpoles
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Researchers exposed bullfrog tadpoles to polyethylene microplastics and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, both individually and in combination, for 15 days to assess genetic damage and immune effects. While the pollutants did not cause direct DNA damage at the tested concentrations, the microplastics alone and in combination with nanoparticles triggered changes in immune cell composition. The study suggests that even at relatively low concentrations, microplastics can alter immune function in amphibians, which are among the most threatened vertebrate groups worldwide.
Amphibians are among the most endangered vertebrates whose population declines are linked to environmental pollution, including emerging pollutants such as microplastics (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs). However, knowledge about the interactive effects of MPs and titanium dioxide (TiO) NPs on amphibians remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the potential genotoxicity, mutagenicity and immunotoxicity of polyethylene (PE) MPs (60 mg L) and TiO NPs (10 μg L), individually or in a mixture (Mix) in Aquarana catesbeiana tadpoles, Gosner stage 25, after a sub-chronic exposure (15 days). Multiple parameters were assessed by the comet assay, micronucleus test and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes, and differential leukocyte count. The individual pollutants and the Mix did not cause genotoxicity. The total number of nuclear abnormalities, the frequency of notched nucleus and moved nucleus were higher in individually PE MPs and TiO NPs groups, but not in Mix. Both pollutants, individually and in a mixture, did not alter the leukocyte profile of the tadpoles. Overall, our results reinforce the complexity of the outcomes of emerging pollutant mixtures, which represent a new environmental issue to discuss about amphibians' health and ecotoxicology.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics and TiO2 nanoparticles mixture as an emerging threat to amphibians: A case study on bullfrog embryos
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Scientists studied the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on bullfrog embryo development. While the microplastics alone did not significantly harm the embryos because they stuck to the outer protective layer, the nanoparticles reduced survival and hatching rates. This study shows that different types of tiny particles can interact in complex ways in the environment, and that amphibian embryos may be more vulnerable to nanoparticles than to microplastics during early development.
Ecotoxicity of polyethylene microplastics and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, isolated and combined, in the gills and livers of Aquarana catesbeiana (Shaw, 1802) tadpoles.
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Researchers assessed the combined ecotoxicity of polyethylene microplastics and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on aquatic organisms, testing both contaminants individually and in combination to evaluate whether co-exposure produces additive, synergistic, or antagonistic toxic effects.
Oxidative stress response biomarkers in gills and liver of bullfrog tadpoles semi-chronically exposed to combined microplastics and titanium dioxide nanoparticles
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Scientists exposed tadpoles to microplastics and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (common in sunscreens and food coloring) and found the combo caused more cell damage and stress than either pollutant alone, particularly harming liver function and energy metabolism. While this study was done in frogs, not humans, it's a warning sign: these same pollutants are widespread in our water and food, and we're typically exposed to them as mixtures, not one at a time—meaning their combined health effects on us may also be worse than tests on individual substances suggest.
How much are microplastics harmful to the health of amphibians? A study with pristine polyethylene microplastics and Physalaemus cuvieri
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Researchers exposed frog tadpoles (Physalaemus cuvieri) to polyethylene microplastics and found significant harmful effects including DNA damage, cell toxicity, and abnormal physical development. The microplastics accumulated in multiple tissues including the gills, gut, liver, muscle, and blood. The study provides some of the first evidence that microplastics can affect amphibian health, adding to concerns about their impact on freshwater wildlife.
Toxicity assessment of polyethylene microplastics in combination with a mix of emerging pollutants on Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles
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Researchers assessed the toxicity of polyethylene microplastics alone and in combination with a mixture of emerging pollutants on tadpoles of the frog Physalaemus cuvieri over 30 days. They found that combined exposure produced more severe effects on biomarkers related to oxidative stress and morphological development than individual exposures. The study highlights the need to consider how microplastics interact with other environmental contaminants when evaluating risks to amphibian populations.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.