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Unlocking the combined impact of microplastics and emerging contaminants on fish: A review and meta-analysis
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This meta-analysis found that combined exposure to microplastics and emerging contaminants adversely affects fish reproduction, development, and neurotoxicity beyond what either pollutant causes alone. Microplastics with higher adsorption capacities led to more severe outcomes by concentrating and delivering co-contaminants, though exposure duration did not correlate with oxidative stress levels.
Microplastics (MPs) possess unique adsorptive properties that render their surfaces prone to absorbing other contaminants. When interacting with these emerging contaminants, MPs may have unpredictable negative impacts on fish. Prior studies have primarily concentrated on the impact of single contaminants, while investigations into combined pollution have not received adequate attention. Therefore, research on combined pollution holds greater practical significance. The physiological indicators of fish affected by emerging contaminants and the mechanisms behind these effects are not yet fully clear. To address this issue, a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of combined pollution of MPs-containing emerging contaminants on various aspects of fish health, encompassing behavior, consumption, development, and reproduction, along with the assessment of oxidative stress and neurotoxicity of fish. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that combined pollution adversely impacted fish reproduction, development, oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity. Importantly, significant differences were observed between fish species regarding their susceptibility to function and oxidative stress. Further investigation into the mechanisms of the impact of combined pollution on fish revealed that the magnitude of this impact is closely associated with the characteristics of the MPs themselves. MPs with higher adsorption capacities tend to lead to more severe consequences, while the impact of MPs with lower adsorption capacities relies more on their toxicity. Nevertheless, a close correlation between the duration of exposure to combined pollution and the level of oxidative stress in fish was not identified. Through a systematic analysis of existing studies, this review not only explored the cumulative effects of combined pollution on fish but also highlighted the intricate nature of such pollution within aquatic ecosystems. It contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the subject and emphasizes the need for further research to unravel the complexities associated with the combined impact of MPs-containing emerging contaminants on aquatic life.
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Effects of microplastics on the toxicity of co-existing pollutants to fish: A meta-analysis
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Meta-analysis of 1,380 biological endpoints from 55 studies found that microplastics in co-existing pollutant solutions significantly increased toxicity to fish beyond what the pollutants caused alone, particularly elevating immune system damage, metabolic disruption, and oxidative stress. The effect depended on fish life stage and microplastic size, but not on pollutant or polymer type.
Meta-analysis of the effects of microplastic on fish: Insights into growth, survival, reproduction, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota diversity
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A meta-analysis of 3,757 biological endpoints from 85 studies found that microplastic exposure significantly inhibits fish growth, survival, and reproduction while increasing oxidative damage, but does not significantly alter gut microbiota diversity. The severity of toxic effects depends on microplastic type, size, concentration, exposure pathway, and the fish's life stage.
Microplastics aggravate the bioaccumulation and toxicity of coexisting contaminants in aquatic organisms: A synergistic health hazard
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Researchers conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of 870 endpoints from 40 studies to evaluate whether microplastics increase the bioaccumulation and toxicity of co-occurring contaminants in aquatic organisms. They found that microplastics significantly increased co-contaminant bioaccumulation by 31% and exacerbated toxicity by 18%, with effects manifesting as increased oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and immunotoxicity. The study confirms that microplastics act as vectors that amplify the hazards of other environmental pollutants.
Microplastics and nanoplastics with co-contaminants: A comprehensive review of neurotoxic effects
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Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics act as vectors for heavy metals, phthalates, pharmaceuticals, and flame retardants, with combined exposures triggering oxidative stress, neurotransmitter disruption, and blood-brain barrier damage in fish and rodent models — calling for integrated toxicological assessments that account for synergistic effects at realistic environmental concentrations.
Combined Effects of Microplastics and Mercury on Growth, Hematology, Tissue Morphology, GH/IGF Axis, and Antioxidant-Immune Responses in Nile Tilapia.
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Scientists found that fish exposed to both microplastics and mercury together—two pollutants increasingly common in waterways—suffered much worse health effects than fish exposed to either one alone, including organ damage, weaker immune function, and stunted growth. This matters because it shows how pollutants can team up to cause more harm than we'd expect from studying them separately, which raises questions about the combined effects of everyday contaminants on the seafood we eat and on our own bodies, since humans are also routinely exposed to both microplastics and trace mercury.
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