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The effect of chronic microplastic exposure on the growth, biochemical responses, and histological changes of the juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria scabra
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Researchers exposed juvenile sea cucumbers to polymethylmethacrylate microplastics over 60 days and observed significant negative effects on growth, biochemical responses, and tissue structure. The study found dose-dependent impacts, with higher microplastic concentrations causing greater reductions in weight gain and more pronounced histological damage to the animals' organs.
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.
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The Effect of Chronic Microplastic Exposure Towards the Growth, Biochemical Responses and Histological Changes of the Juvenile Sea Cucumber Holothuria Scabra
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This study examined the chronic effects of microplastic exposure on the growth and survival of an aquatic organism over multiple life stages, finding that prolonged exposure reduced growth rates and increased mortality at higher concentrations. The results suggest long-term microplastic exposure poses cumulative risks to aquatic populations.
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Scientists exposed tropical sea cucumbers to both nano-sized and micro-sized plastic particles and found that both caused gut damage, altered the gut microbiome, triggered oxidative stress, and disrupted immune function. Notably, the smaller nanoplastics had stronger effects than the larger microplastics, and plastic particles were observed accumulating in the gut tissue.
Microplastic and nanoplastic exposure induced transcriptional and physiological alterations and triggered immune responses in the sea cucumber, Holothuria leucospilota
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Researchers exposed sea cucumbers to polyethylene microplastics and nanoplastics for 14 days and measured changes in gene expression, oxidative stress, and immune function. They found that nanoplastics caused more severe effects than microplastics, including widespread changes in gene activity and signs of immune system activation. The study raises concerns about the vulnerability of bottom-feeding marine animals that inadvertently consume plastic particles from sediment.
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Evaluation of Microplastics Ingested by Sea Cucumber Holothuria Scabra from Pulau Jambongan, Sabah
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Researchers found 7,403 microplastic particles in the digestive tracts of 30 sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra) collected from a Malaysian island, with 99% being fibers and the dominant polymer being polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The high contamination level indicates significant marine pollution in the region and shows that bottom-dwelling sea cucumbers — which process large volumes of sediment — are especially exposed to microplastic accumulation. This is relevant to seafood safety since sea cucumbers are commercially harvested for human consumption.
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