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Differential sensitivity of Lemna minor and Moina macrocopa to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic fibers: hazard characterization and scenario-based risk assessment
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Scientists found that tiny plastic fibers from polyester fabrics (PET) can harm freshwater plants and tiny water animals, but at different levels: water fleas showed reduced reproduction at lower concentrations than plants showed growth problems. Current pollution levels in lakes and rivers pose low risk right now, but the study is a reminder that plastic fibers are building up in the water systems that eventually connect to our food and drinking water.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfibers present a common contaminant in freshwater environments, yet their toxicological sensitivity across distinct trophic levels remains poorly studied. This study assessed the comparative toxicity of PET microplastic fibers on the duckweed Lemna minor and the cladoceran Moina macrocopa. Healthy L. minor fronds were exposed to several PET fiber concentrations for seven days, and the frond number, frond area, root length, and chlorophyll a and b contents were determined. For M. macrocopa, an acute immobilization test was performed for 48 h, and the survival, growth, and heartbeat of the neonates were assessed. A chronic reproduction test was also conducted for 7 days using several sublethal PET fiber concentrations. Frond area was significantly reduced in L. minor at PET fiber concentrations ≥50 mg/L (p < 0.05). Average frond number was significantly reduced at ≥150 mg/L, while chlorophyll a and b contents were significantly reduced at 200 mg/L (p < 0.05), while root length was unaffected. Acute exposure of M. macrocopa significantly reduced survival, growth, and heartbeat at ≥5, ≥10, and ≥100 mg/L, respectively (p < 0.05). Chronic exposure significantly reduced total reproduction at ≥5 mg/L (p < 0.05). A dose-dependent effect was observed on other reproduction-related endpoints, although none were statistically significant. These findings demonstrate differential sensitivity of freshwater primary producers and consumers to PET microplastic fiber exposure, with reproductive effects in M. macrocopa occurring at lower concentrations than most growth- and physiological responses in L. minor. An initial scenario-based exploratory ecological risk assessment indicated negligible-to-low current ecological risk under surface water concentrations, though long-term microfiber accumulation and chemical co-exposure pose ongoing ecological concerns.
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Researchers tested how synthetic microfibers from plastics like PET and polypropylene affect freshwater algae compared to natural fibers like cotton and wool. The synthetic fibers inhibited algae growth more than natural fibers and caused oxidative damage to the cells, with fiber-shaped particles being more harmful than fragments of the same material. Since algae form the base of aquatic food chains, damage to them from microplastic fibers could ripple through ecosystems and affect the fish and water that humans depend on.
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Researchers tested whether realistic concentrations of polyester microplastic fibers affect freshwater zooplankton communities in experimental settings. The study found no significant effects on zooplankton abundance, diversity, or community structure at environmentally relevant concentrations, suggesting that current levels of fiber pollution may not substantially impact these organisms.
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Researchers exposed the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna to ground PET textile microfibers for 48 hours and found that fiber ingestion increased mortality in food-deprived organisms and that daphnids could not recover after transfer to clean water, providing the first evidence of PET textile microfiber bioavailability and toxicity in a standard ecotoxicology model.
Investigating the ecotoxicological effects of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and polyethylene (PE) on the floating aquatic plant, Lemna minor.
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Researchers tested the effects of dimethyl phthalate and polyethylene microplastic fragments on the aquatic plant Lemna minor, finding that while polyethylene showed limited dose-response effects, it did significantly alter chlorophyll content, while the phthalate produced more consistent toxic responses across growth parameters.
Polyester Microfiber Accumulation and Toxicological Effects on Freshwater Fish Labeo rohita.
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Scientists found that tiny plastic fibers from polyester clothing seriously harm freshwater fish when they eat them, causing stress, behavioral changes like increased aggression, and disrupting their body chemistry. This matters because these same plastic fibers are widespread in our water systems and food chain, potentially affecting the fish we eat and the water we drink. The study shows we need to reduce plastic pollution from synthetic clothing to protect both aquatic life and human health.
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