We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
WATERBORNE POLYSTYRENE MICROPLASTIC EXPOSURE DEPRESSES GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH (Betta splendens)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed Siamese fighting fish to waterborne polystyrene microplastics at concentrations up to 150 mg/L for 45 days and found significant, dose-dependent reductions in length and weight gain, with no mortality, confirming sublethal growth suppression as a relevant stressor in ornamental aquaculture.
This study evaluated the effects of waterborne polystyrene microplastic exposure on the growth performance of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) over a 45-day rearing period. A completely randomized design with four treatments and three replicates was applied: 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/L. The evaluated growth variables comprised absolute length gain, specific length growth rate, absolute weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival rate (SR). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test at the 5% significance level. Polystyrene microplastic exposure significantly affected absolute length gain, specific length growth rate, absolute weight gain, and specific growth rate (p < 0.05). Fish reared without microplastic exposure consistently showed the highest growth performance, whereas the 150 mg/L treatment produced the lowest values across the principal growth endpoints. By contrast, FCR tended to increase with increasing microplastic concentration, but the effect was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). SR remained 100% in all treatments, indicating that the tested exposure levels produced sublethal rather than lethal effects under the present experimental conditions. Water quality remained within a range generally tolerated by betta fish, suggesting that the observed response was more closely associated with microplastic exposure than with overt deterioration of the rearing medium. Overall, waterborne polystyrene microplastic exposure reduced the growth performance of B. splendens and should be considered a relevant emerging stressor in ornamental fish culture.
More Papers Like This
Decreased growth and survival in small juvenile fish, after chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed juvenile glassfish to environmentally realistic concentrations of both virgin and harbor-collected microplastics for 95 days, finding that fish in plastic-fed groups grew significantly less in length, depth, and mass, and had lower survival probability than controls.
The Effect of Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics in Feed on the Growth of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
AI summary Read the abstract
This study exposed tilapia fish to polystyrene microplastics mixed into their feed at different concentrations. The results showed that microplastic exposure negatively affected the growth and development of the fish. This is relevant to human health because tilapia is a widely consumed fish, and microplastics accumulating in farmed fish could be passed along to the people who eat them.
Toxicological Assessment of Polypropylene Microplastics in Male Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ): Growth, Hematological, and Histopathological Insights
AI summary Read the abstract
Nile tilapia fish were exposed to small plastic particles called polypropylene microplastics in water for 28 days at different levels. Fish in the highest exposure group showed slower growth, changes in blood cells, signs of stress, and damage to gills, liver and intestine tissue.
Polystyrene microplastics exposure in freshwater fish, Labeo rohita: evaluation of physiology and histopathology
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed freshwater fish varying levels of polystyrene microplastics for 90 days and found dose-dependent damage to blood health, growth, and organ tissues. Higher microplastic concentrations caused more severe harm to the liver, kidneys, gills, and intestines. The study highlights that microplastics in freshwater systems can accumulate in fish and cause significant health problems, raising concerns about food safety for communities that rely on freshwater fish.
Polystyrene microparticles can affect the health status of freshwater fish – Threat of oral microplastics intake
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed juvenile rainbow trout polystyrene microplastics at three dietary concentrations for six weeks and assessed multiple health parameters. They found that the highest concentration triggered immune responses, liver and gill damage, disrupted antioxidant balance, and reduced plasma proteins. The study demonstrates that oral microplastic intake can negatively affect the health of freshwater fish across multiple organ systems.
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.