We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Revealing the effects of polystyrene microplastics and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on mussels:An evidence chain of gill-intestine-hemolymph
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed mussels to polystyrene microplastics combined with the plasticizer DEHP for 30 days and found a cascade of harmful effects across gill, intestine, and blood systems. The combination caused gill damage, disrupted energy metabolism, triggered oxidative stress, altered gut microbiota, and suppressed immune function. The study establishes a pollutant cascade mechanism linking tissue damage, metabolic changes, and microbial imbalance in marine organisms.
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are widespread contaminants in marine ecosystems, posing significant risks to marine life due to their toxicity and interactions with other pollutants. This study evaluates the combined effects of PS-MPs and DEHP on Mytilus coruscus, focusing on physiological and immune responses over a 30-day exposure. Results showed significant morphological changes in gill structures, including reduced lamella dimensions and thinner stromal tissue, impairing gas exchange. Key enzymatic activities related to energy metabolism were altered, with LDH, SDH, and HK activities suppressed and PK activity increased, indicating a shift in energy regulation. ATPase activity decreased while ROS activity rose, suggesting oxidative stress. Changes in digestive enzyme lipase activity were noted alongside modifications in gut microbiota under high pollutant concentrations. Immune markers showed decreased THC, PHA, and EA levels, with increased HM, indicating immune disruption. Antioxidant defenses were activated, evidenced by elevated SOD, CAT, GPX, and GSH activities, yet increased MDA levels indicated lipid peroxidation. These findings establish a pollutant cascade mechanism linking tissue damage, metabolic reprogramming, and microbial imbalance, providing critical data for marine risk assessment.
More Papers Like This
Combined ecotoxicity of polystyrene microplastics and Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate increase exposure risks to Mytilus coruscus based on the bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, metabolic profiles, and nutritional interferences
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed hard-shelled mussels to a common plastic additive (DEHP) and polystyrene microplastics together, and found that the microplastics increased how much DEHP accumulated in the animals' digestive organs. The combined exposure disrupted the mussels' antioxidant defenses and altered their metabolic processes more than either pollutant alone. The study suggests that microplastics can amplify the harmful effects of chemical pollutants in marine organisms.
Short-Term Exposure to MPs and DEHP Disrupted Gill Functions in Marine Bivalves
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that short-term exposure to polypropylene microplastics and the plasticizer DEHP disrupted gill functions in two marine clam species, with combined exposure producing synergistic toxic effects on filtration rates and antioxidant enzyme activity.
Reproductive Effects of Phthalates and Microplastics on Marine Mussels Based on Adverse Outcome Pathway
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that microplastics and the chemical plasticizer DEHP that leaches from them work together to disrupt reproductive function in female mussels by interfering with estrogen signaling and reducing hormone levels. While this study focused on marine mussels, DEHP is a known endocrine disruptor in humans as well, and the findings illustrate how microplastics can release harmful chemicals that affect hormone systems.
Combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and thermal stress on the freshwater mussel Dreissena polymorpha
AI summary Read the abstract
Freshwater mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) exposed simultaneously to elevated temperature and microplastics showed greater immune suppression and oxidative stress than mussels exposed to either stressor alone, suggesting climate change warming will amplify microplastic toxicity in freshwater ecosystems.
Effects of polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics on bioaccumulation and toxicity of dibutyl phthalate in Mytilisepta virgata
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics affect the accumulation and toxicity of dibutyl phthalate, a common marine pollutant, in mussels. They found that the type and aging state of microplastics influenced how much phthalate accumulated in the mussels' tissues, and that the accumulated pollutant persisted even after the exposure ended. The study suggests that while mussels can survive these exposures, they risk significant pollutant buildup and oxidative damage when microplastics and phthalates coexist.
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.