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Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and copper on gill tissue structure, metabolism, and immune function of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
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This study found that nanoplastics and copper together caused more damage to crab gill tissue than either pollutant alone, disrupting the animals' antioxidant defenses, metabolism, and immune function. The combined exposure suppressed important detoxification genes that help the crabs cope with environmental stress. Since crabs are a common seafood, these findings raise concerns about how co-occurring pollutants in waterways could affect both aquatic life and the safety of shellfish for human consumption.
Nanoplastics (NPs) and copper (Cu) are increasingly released into aquatic environments, posing significant risks to aquatic organisms, including crabs. As the primary interface between the organism and the surrounding environment, gills are particularly susceptible to the impacts of NPs and Cu exposure. Investigating the toxicity of these pollutants, especially their combined effects, is crucial for assessing their environmental risks. This study evaluated the toxicity of NPs (0.4 mg/L), Cu² + (0.1 mg/L), and the combination (NPs + Cu² + ) on the gill tissues of Eriocheir sinensis , focusing on tissue morphology, metabolism, and immune functions. The results demonstrated that exposure to NPs, Cu² + and NPs + Cu² + caused structural damage to gill tissues and significantly elevated antioxidant parameters such as GSH-Px activity and GSH content, as well as immune parameters including ACP and AKP activity. Compared with the single exposure group, energy metabolism-related genes ( TAT , TPI , HK ) were down-regulated in the combined exposure group. Pathways associated with glutathione metabolism and cytochrome P450 were notably affected, and the combined exposure suppressed the expression of immune-related genes such as CYP450 , GST , and UGT . In summary, we found an enhanced toxicological impact of NPs when combined with Cu 2+ . Thus, this study provides insights into the toxicological mechanisms of NPs and Cu² + in aquatic organisms, highlighting their ecological risks to aquatic ecosystems.
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Researchers used transcriptome analysis to investigate how nanoplastics and copper individually and in combination affect the hepatopancreas of Chinese mitten crabs. They found that co-exposure led to greater accumulation and more severe tissue damage than either pollutant alone, with significant disruptions to immune and metabolic gene pathways. The study suggests that nanoplastics may enhance the toxicity of heavy metals in aquatic organisms through synergistic interactions.
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Researchers found that combined exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and copper ions caused greater oxidative stress in juvenile tri-spine horseshoe crabs than either stressor alone, with antioxidant enzyme levels remaining disrupted even after a seven-day recovery period.
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Researchers found that when polyethylene microplastics carrying copper were injected into white shrimp, the combined exposure was significantly more harmful than either pollutant alone. The shrimp experienced suppressed immune function, increased oxidative stress, and severe damage to muscles, liver, and gills. Since shrimp are widely consumed seafood, these findings raise questions about how microplastic-bound metals in marine environments could affect both shellfish health and food safety.
Effect of polystyrene nanoplastics on cell apoptosis, glucose metabolism, and antibacterial immunity of Eriocheir sinensis
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Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics caused cell apoptosis, disrupted glucose metabolism, and weakened antibacterial immunity in Chinese mitten crabs, with combined nanoplastic and bacterial exposure producing synergistic toxic effects.
Response of moulting genes and gut microbiome to nano-plastics and copper in juvenile horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus
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Researchers exposed juvenile horseshoe crabs to polystyrene nanoplastics and copper, both alone and in combination, and found that combined exposure significantly altered molting gene expression and disrupted gut microbial communities. The nanoplastics and copper together triggered stress responses not seen with either pollutant alone, including changes in heat shock protein and hormone receptor gene activity. The study raises concerns about how multiple pollutants in coastal waters may jointly affect the development of this ancient and ecologically important species.
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