We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Toxic effects of exposure to polymethyl methacrylate and polyvinyl chloride microplastics in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed Pacific oysters to two types of microplastics and found significant signs of oxidative stress, DNA damage, and metabolic disruption after 30 days. Polymethyl methacrylate microplastics caused the most severe effects, reducing a key protective enzyme by 59% and triggering the highest levels of DNA damage markers. The study provides important toxicological data showing that different plastic types can have varying degrees of harm on marine shellfish.
Increasing attention has been directed toward the toxic effects of microplastics (MP) on marine mollusks in recent years. To evaluate these effects, Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were acclimated and cultured in a 140-Liter container, where two types of MP, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), were introduced into their feed. MP concentrations in the water were maintained at 300 μg/L, 600 μg/L, and 900 μg/L to assess oxidative stress, DNA damage, and metabolic disorders in these organisms. Significant alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities were detected in C. gigas exposed to these pollutants. After 30 days of exposure to high concentrations of PMMA, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the adductor muscle was reduced by 59% compared to the control group, while catalase (CAT) activity increased by 67%. DNA damage assessments revealed that NF-κB expression levels reached a maximum value of 2.46 in the high-concentration PMMA group after 30 days, the highest among all experimental groups. Additionally, metabolic pathway alterations in the hepatopancreas of C. gigas were observed, including reduced expression levels of uridine and methylmalonic acid (MMA), alongside significantly elevated expression levels of glutamic acid and asparagine. This study offers essential toxicological data for understanding and quantifying the impacts of PMMA and PVC MP on marine mollusks.
More Papers Like This
Metabolic profiles and protein expression responses of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) to polystyrene microplastic stress
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed Pacific oysters to polystyrene microplastics for 21 days and found the particles caused oxidative stress and disrupted the oysters' metabolism, particularly amino acid processing. Different microplastic concentrations triggered different metabolic changes in the oysters. Since oysters are a popular seafood, these findings raise questions about food safety and whether microplastic-stressed shellfish could affect consumer health.
Toxic effects of exposure to microplastics with environmentally relevant shapes and concentrations: Accumulation, energy metabolism and tissue damage in oyster Crassostrea gigas
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed oysters to irregularly shaped polyethylene and PET microplastics at two concentrations for 21 days and measured accumulation, energy metabolism, and tissue damage. They found that the microplastics accumulated in oyster tissues, disrupted energy metabolism, and caused histological damage, with effects varying by polymer type and concentration. The study suggests that environmentally realistic microplastic shapes and concentrations can cause measurable harm to commercially important shellfish species.
In vivo oxidative stress responses of the freshwater basket clam Corbicula javanicus to microplastic fibres and particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that microplastic exposure caused oxidative stress in freshwater basket clams, with polyester fibers increasing antioxidant enzyme activity while polyethylene fragments decreased it, indicating different toxicological impacts depending on plastic type.
Tissue-specific accumulation and integrated toxicological responses of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, to chronic polyethylene microplastic exposure: An empirical toxicokinetic interpretation
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that oysters exposed to microplastics for weeks build up the most plastic in their digestive glands, and this buildup was linked to stress hormones, liver-related enzymes, and immune changes. Since oysters are widely eaten, this suggests microplastic pollution could affect the health and safety of seafood, though more research is needed to know what this means for humans.
Combined effects of salinity and polystyrene microplastics exposure on the Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas: Oxidative stress and energy metabolism
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how salinity levels affect the toxicity of polystyrene microplastics in Pacific oysters and found that low salinity reduced microplastic uptake but created complex interactions with oxidative stress and energy metabolism. Smaller microplastics generally caused more biological disruption than larger ones across all salinity conditions. This is important because coastal oyster habitats frequently experience salinity changes, and the findings suggest environmental conditions can alter how harmful microplastics are to shellfish.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.