Polystyrene Nanoplastics Induce Multi-Organ Toxicity in the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss): An Integrated Assessment of Physiological, Immunological, and Molecular Responses

Polystyrene Nanoplastics Induce Multi-Organ Toxicity in the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): An Integrated Assessment of Physiological, Immunological, and Molecular Responses

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Rainbow trout were exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics at three concentrations for 28 days and assessed for physiological, immunological, and molecular responses across multiple organs. NPs accumulated in liver, spleen, and intestine, causing dose-dependent oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and altered gene expression, demonstrating multi-organ toxicity in a commercially important fish species.

Gauging the effects of a chronic exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics in the liver and intestine of Carassius auratus

Toxicity of nano- and microplastics on marine and freshwater fish: A multi-scale perspective from organ systems to cells

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This review pulls together existing studies showing that tiny plastic particles (micro- and nanoplastics) can build up in fish, damaging their gut, gills, heart, brain, and immune system by causing inflammation and cellular stress. While this research was done in fish, it matters for us too, since these plastics are widespread in water and seafood, and fish share many biological similarities with humans, meaning our bodies could face similar risks from ongoing plastic exposure.

Physiological Alterations and Immune Modulation in Fish Exposed to Microplastics

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Researchers reviewed the physiological and immunological effects of microplastic exposure in fish, finding that these particles smaller than 5 mm induce a range of biological disruptions including immune modulation, oxidative stress, and systemic health impacts with broader implications for aquatic ecosystem integrity.

Simulated Environmental Nanoplastics Induce Zebrafish Developmental Toxicity and Stress Response

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Scientists exposed zebrafish embryos to nanoplastics that were specially broken down to mimic how plastic actually degrades in oceans and rivers, and found they caused more harm than the lab-made plastic beads typically used in research, stunting growth, slowing hatching, and triggering stress hormone spikes even at very low doses. Because these effects showed up at concentrations similar to what's found in real water sources, the findings suggest current safety testing may be underestimating the risks nanoplastics pose to both aquatic life and, potentially, to people who drink that water or eat seafood from it.