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Toxicological Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Growth, Enzymatic Activity, Hematology, and Tissue Integrity in Labeo rohita
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Scientists exposed farmed fish (Rohu, a popular food fish) to microplastic pollution levels found in some contaminated waters and found it damaged their gills and intestines, slowed their growth, caused anemia-like symptoms, and made it harder for them to absorb nutrients from food. While this study was done in fish rather than humans, it matters because it shows microplastics can cause real physical harm to the animals we eat and to aquatic ecosystems overall—raising concerns about both food supply sustainability and the broader impact of plastic pollution making its way up the food chain.
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are emerging aquatic contaminants with potential toxicological impacts on fish health and aquaculture sustainability. This study evaluated the dose-dependent effects of PS-MPs on growth performance, enzymatic activity, hematological parameters, behavior, nutrient digestibility, and histopathology in Labeo rohita (Rohu). A total of 180 fingerlings were randomly assigned to three groups: control (0 mg/L), low exposure (50 mg/L), and high exposure (100 mg/L), with triplicate tanks (n = 20 fish per tank) over a 21-day period. Exposure to PS-MPs significantly impaired growth performance, as evidenced by reduced weight gain, increased feed conversion ratio, and decreased survival in the high-dose group (p < 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in gill and intestinal tissues declined markedly in a dose-dependent manner, indicating compromised metabolic and absorptive functions. Hematological analysis revealed reduced red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration, alongside elevated white blood cell count, suggesting anemia and stress-induced immune responses. Behavioral alterations, including reduced feeding efficiency, irregular swimming, and increased bottom-dwelling activity, were more pronounced at higher concentrations. Furthermore, nutrient digestibility coefficients for dry matter, protein, fat, and energy decreased significantly with increasing PS-MP exposure. Histopathological examination confirmed severe structural damage in gill and intestinal tissues, including epithelial lifting, lamellar fusion, necrosis, villi shortening, and inflammation. These findings demonstrate that PS-MPs exert multilevel toxic effects on L. rohita (Rohu), disrupting physiological, biochemical, and structural integrity. Overall, this study highlights the ecological and toxicological risks of microplastic contamination in freshwater systems and underscores the need for mitigation strategies to protect aquatic organisms and aquaculture productivity.
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Polystyrene microplastics exposure in freshwater fish, Labeo rohita: evaluation of physiology and histopathology
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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.
IMPACTS OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE MICROPLASTICS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND BIOCHEMICAL BIOMARKERS IN ROHU, Labeo rohita
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Scientists exposed rohu fish—a popular food fish in South Asia—to microplastics commonly found in plastic bottles (PET) and discovered that higher doses caused stunted growth, blood abnormalities, liver stress, and increased oxidative damage in the fish's organs. Since these fish are widely eaten by humans, this research suggests that microplastic pollution in waterways could be compromising both the health of fish populations and the safety of seafood that ends up on our plates.
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Researchers fed roho fish (Labeo rohita) varying doses of plastic microbeads over 120 days and found that ingesting microplastics directly stunted their growth, with higher concentrations causing greater harm — providing evidence that microplastic pollution can impair the health of freshwater fish species.
Microplastic Bioaccumulation and its Systemic Effects in Labeo rohita: From Cellular Damage to Behavioural Disruption
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Rohu carp (Labeo rohita) exposed to polyethylene microplastics at up to 5 mg/L for 60 days accumulated particles in gills, liver, and intestines with dose-dependent cellular damage, behavioral disruption, and partial recovery after 30 days in clean water.
Ecotoxicological effects of low-density polyethylene microplastic on Heteropneustes fossilis: behavioral, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological impacts
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Scientists exposed freshwater fish to tiny plastic particles (microplastics) from everyday items like plastic bags and found they caused serious health problems including blood disorders, organ damage, and weakened immune systems. The higher the amount of plastic particles, the worse the damage became to vital organs like gills, intestines, and liver. This matters because these same microplastics are found throughout our food chain and water supply, raising concerns about potential health risks for humans who consume contaminated fish and water.
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