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Impact of ingested microplastics on phenotypic traits and biochemical parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juvenile
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Juvenile Nile tilapia exposed to microplastics showed significantly lower survival rates, reduced body weight, smaller eye diameter, elevated superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced catalase activity compared to controls, indicating physiological stress and impaired antioxidant defense. These dose-response effects on a widely farmed species provide direct evidence that microplastic ingestion compromises fish growth and survival, with implications for aquaculture productivity and the integrity of fish-based food systems.
The widespread contamination of aquatic environments by microplastics (MPs), alongside other pollutants, has emerged as a critical global concern, posing significant risks to fish populations. This study investigated the impacts of microplastic ingestion on the phenotypic traits, survival rates, and antioxidant activities of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Three experimental groups were established: (T1) a control group fed a standard commercial diet (4% of body weight) twice daily, (T2) a group fed a mixed diet of 2% commercial pellets and 2% MPs twice daily, and (T3) a group fed 4% commercial pellets on the first day, no feed on the second day, and 4% MPs added directly to the water on the third day. Results demonstrated that tilapia exposed to MPs exhibited significantly lower survival rates, decreased body weight, reduced standard length, smaller eye diameters, and diminished body areas compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, MP-exposed fish displayed elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced catalase activity, indicating altered antioxidant defense mechanisms. Proximate analysis revealed no significant differences in crude protein, moisture, and lipid content among the groups (P > 0.05), except for ash content, which was significantly higher in MP-exposed fish (P < 0.01). Geometric morphometric analysis did not reveal significant shape variations among the groups (P > 0.05), although the control group exhibited a significantly larger centroid size (an indicator of overall body size) than the MP-exposed groups (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that microplastic ingestion can have detrimental effects on the survival, growth, antioxidant status, and body composition of juvenile tilapia. This study underscores the critical need to consider the potential impacts of microplastic pollution on tilapia farming practices in the open water system.
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