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Enhanced bioaccumulation and toxicity of Fenpropathrin by polystyrene nano(micro)plastics in the model insect, silkworm (Bombyx mori)
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Researchers found that polystyrene nano- and microplastics made the pesticide fenpropathrin more toxic to silkworms by acting as carriers that increased the insect's absorption of the chemical. The smaller the plastic particles were, the more they boosted pesticide accumulation in the silkworms' bodies, raising concerns about how microplastics may amplify the effects of other environmental toxins.
BACKGROUND: Nano(micro)plastics (NMPs) and agrochemicals are ubiquitous pollutants. The small size and physicochemical properties of NMPs make them potential carriers for pollutants, affecting their bioavailability and impact on living organisms. However, little is known about their interactions in terrestrial ecosystems. This study investigates the adsorption of Fenpropathrin (FPP) onto two different sizes of polystyrene NMPs and examines their impacts on an insect model, silkworm Bombyx mori. We analyzed the systemic effects of acute exposure to NMPs and FPP, individually and combined, at organismal, tissue, cellular, and gut microbiome levels. RESULTS: Our results showed that NMPs can adsorb FPP, with smaller particles having higher adsorption capacity, leading to size-dependent increases in the bioaccumulation and toxicity of FPP. These effects led to higher mortality, reduced body weight, delayed development, and decreased cocoon production in silkworms. Additionally, the pollutants caused physical and oxidative damage to the midgut and altered gene expression related to juvenile hormone (JH) and silk protein synthesis. The gut microbiome analysis revealed significant changes and reduced abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria. Thus, the aggravated toxicity induced by NMPs was size-dependent, with smaller particles (NPs) having a greater impact. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the role of NMPs as carriers for contaminants, increasing their bioavailability and toxicity in terrestrial ecosystems. These findings have significant implications for ecosystem health and biodiversity.
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles called micro/nanoplastics and how they may carry pesticides in silkworms, an insect important for silk production. It reports that combining plastics with pesticides often increases pesticide buildup and harmful effects, through processes like gut damage and oxidative stress, though effects vary depending on particle type and conditions.
Toxic effects of acute exposure to polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics on the model insect, silkworm Bombyx mori
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Researchers tested the effects of polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics on silkworms and found that while the particles did not affect body weight or survival, they significantly altered immune gene activity and antioxidant responses. Interestingly, microplastics boosted immune defenses while nanoplastics suppressed them, meaning silkworms exposed to nanoplastics were more vulnerable to bacterial infection. The study suggests that plastic particle size is a critical factor in determining the nature and severity of toxic effects on organisms.
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Scientists fed polystyrene nanoparticles to silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori) and found ingestion, tissue accumulation, and oxidative stress responses, demonstrating that terrestrial insects are vulnerable to nanoplastic exposure through their food.
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