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Time- and Temperature-Dependent Effects of PHBV on Physiological Responses in Brine Shrimp
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Scientists tested how a "biodegradable" plastic (PHBV, often used in eco-friendly packaging) affects tiny shrimp-like creatures when combined with warmer water temperatures—conditions similar to what's happening in oceans today. They found that while these bioplastics didn't cause the cell damage typically seen with regular microplastics, higher doses combined with warmer temperatures caused notable gut damage and subtle changes in important fatty acids these animals need. This matters because it shows that "eco-friendly" plastic alternatives aren't automatically risk-free for marine life, and as ocean temperatures r
Aquatic organisms are exposed to multiple stressors, including microplastic pollution and rising temperatures. Bioplastics like Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) are considered sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, although their biological effects remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of PHBV microplastics on Artemia franciscana under different temperature and exposure conditions. Organisms were exposed to 25 and 100 mg·L−1 PHBV for 7, 14, and 21 days at 25 °C and for 14 days at 29 °C. Growth, development, antioxidant enzyme (CAT, GST) and esterase activities (ChE, CbE), lipid peroxidation (LPO), gut histology, fatty acid profiles and polymer particle length distributions were assessed. Growth and development increased with PHBV concentration, exposure time, and temperature. Enzymatic activities and LPO were significantly affected by these factors, although no evidence of oxidative damage was detected. Marked gut lesions were observed at 100 mg·L−1 PHBV at 29 °C after 14 days. Fatty acid profiles were mainly influenced by time and temperature, while high PHBV levels were associated with additional, more subtle changes in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. PHBV particle length distributions also varied depending on exposure conditions. These findings suggest that PHBV induces physiological responses distinct from those typically reported for conventional microplastics and highlight the importance of considering multiple stressors in ecotoxicological studies.
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Biodegradable microplastics: Uptake by and effects on the rockpool shrimp Palaemon elegans (Crustacea: Decapoda)
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Researchers fed shrimp three types of microplastics, including two biodegradable kinds (PLA and PHBV) and conventional polyethylene, and found that all types were readily eaten. Surprisingly, the biodegradable microplastics stayed in the shrimp's stomachs longer than the conventional plastic, and all types triggered stress-related enzyme activity. This suggests that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safer for marine life than conventional plastics once they break down into microplastic-sized particles.
Impacts of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) microplastic exposure on physiology and metabolic profiles of Litopenaeus vannamei
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Researchers exposed Pacific white shrimp to biodegradable PHB microplastics and found that while short-term exposure up to 100 mg/L showed no acute toxicity, long-term feeding with higher concentrations led to reduced survival, slower growth, and changes in metabolic pathways. The metabolic disruptions included alterations in amino acid and lipid metabolism, suggesting the shrimp's bodies were under significant stress. The findings indicate that even biodegradable plastics can have meaningful negative effects on marine aquaculture species over time.
Marine biodegradable polymers and zooplankton: A case study on the effects of PHBV microplastics on Artemia franciscana
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Researchers studied the physiological effects of PHBV biodegradable microplastics on the zooplankton species Artemia franciscana, examining survival, growth, feeding, and lipid composition. The study found that even biodegradable polymer microplastics can affect zooplankton physiology, suggesting that simply replacing conventional plastics with biodegradable alternatives may not fully eliminate ecological risks in marine environments.
Can biodegradable plastics mitigate plastamination? Feedbacks from marine organisms
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Researchers tested whether biodegradable plastics (PLA) are safer for marine life than conventional plastics (polypropylene) and found that both types caused similar toxic effects in marine animals. Both plastics triggered stress responses and cell damage in brine shrimp at multiple life stages, with more advanced stages being more sensitive. This raises doubts about whether switching to biodegradable plastics will actually reduce the harm of microplastic pollution in oceans.
Stress induction in Hippolyte inermis Leach (1816) larvae by microplastics from manufactured polylactic acid and polypropylene cups
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Scientists exposed baby shrimp to microplastics from both regular plastic cups and "eco-friendly" plant-based (PLA) cups, and found something worth noting: even though the shrimp didn't die or grow abnormally, their cells showed clear signs of stress and were working overtime to detoxify themselves. This matters because it suggests microplastics can cause hidden damage that basic health checks might miss — and it raises questions about whether "biodegradable" plastic alternatives are actually gentler on living things, since they triggered similar stress responses as regular plastic.
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