The effect of chronic microplastic exposure on the growth, biochemical responses, and histological changes of the juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria scabra

Microplastics (MPs) are minuscule plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, originating from the degradation of larger plastic debris. MPs originate from various sources and pose a significant threat to the marine ecosystem. Holothuria scabra is a species of sea cucumber with high commercial value and among the organisms affected by MPs pollution. H. scabra are also crucial in maintaining a clean seabed and recycling nutrients in the ocean ecosystem. Polymethymethacrylate (PMMA), a durable and transparent plastic polymer widely used as a glass alternative in maritime and other industries. This research aimed to investigate the toxicity effects of polymethylmethacrylate-MPs on the well-being of juvenile sea cucumber H. scabra. Over a 60-day treatment period, polymethylmethacrylate MPs were exposed to the juvenile sea cucumber diet at concentrations of 0.6 MPs/g (Treatment 1), 1.2 MPs/g (Treatment 2), and 10 MPs/g (Treatment 3) while a control group which received no MPs exposure to observe changes in their growth, biochemical responses, and histological alteration. The mean weight, weight gain percentage and specific growth rate exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05) with the control group displaying the highest SGR value of 1.22 ± 0.35%. Mortality was observed in treatment 2 and 3, respectively. A disruption in enzyme activity was also observed across all treatment groups (p < 0.05). The findings of growth rates and biochemical responses were further supported by histological observation, uncovering injuries and loss of cellular components in respiratory trees and intestines. This study enhances our understanding of the toxicity mechanism associated with PMMA-MPs in deposit feeder organisms.