0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Gut & Microbiome Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Nanoplastics Sign in to save

Advances in Understanding Micro‐ and Nanoplastic Toxicity on Farmed Fish and Emerging Nutritional Interventions

Reviews in Aquaculture 2026
Quansen Xie, Fang Chen, Fang Chen, Xiaodong Huang, Jianjun Wang, Dizhi Xie

Summary

This review examined the toxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics on farmed fish and explored emerging nutritional interventions to mitigate those effects. Researchers found that microplastics reduce feed utilization, cause physical abrasion, and trigger oxidative stress in fish, while certain dietary supplements show promise in enhancing fish resilience against microplastic-related toxicity.

Body Systems

ABSTRACT Micro‐ and nanoplastics (MNPs), encompassing microplastics (MPs, diameters < 5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, diameters < 100 nm), threaten the health of farmed fish and the safety of aquatic products through contaminated water and feed. Nutritional modulation is recognized as a critical strategy to enhance fish resilience against environmental stressors, but targeted MNPs toxicity interventions are nascent. This review analyzed the distribution features of MNPs in aquatic environments and fish, and elucidated toxicity mechanisms—including reduced feed utilization, physical abrasion, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota disruption. It also highlighted nutritional strategies to mitigate MNPs toxicity: macronutrient (protein and energy) optimization balances metabolism, micronutrient (vitamins, selenium, and zinc) fortification enhances antioxidant defenses, and functional additives (e.g., probiotics, astaxanthin, microalgae, etc.) reduce MNPs absorption, oxidative damage, and inflammation. Future research should focus on precision nutrition, toxicological mechanisms and repair, microecology modulation, and nano‐biotechnology solutions. This review aids in understanding the MNPs' impact on farmed fish, especially in developing effective nutritional mitigation interventions for sustainable aquaculture.

Share this paper