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Trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of nanoplastics in Coryphaena hippurus (mahi-mahi) and effect of depuration
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Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics transfer through the food chain to mahi-mahi fish larvae by first exposing rotifers to the particles and then feeding them to the larvae. Significant nanoplastic transfer and accumulation were observed, primarily in the gut, with some particles translocating to areas containing vital organs like the heart and liver. A depuration study showed that while larvae could excrete substantial amounts, notable quantities remained retained, and intestinal tissue damage was observed.
Ocean plastic pollution is a global concern, exacerbated by the distinctive physiochemical characteristics of nanoplastics (NPs), making it crucial to study the impacts on marine animals, particularly fish, given their ecological and economic importance. Both trophic transfer and waterborne exposure are potential modes of NP entry into seafood for human consumption Although the majority of studies have focused on in-vitro impacts of NP exposure in fish, in-vivo methods can offer a more holistic understanding of these impacts. This study investigates polystyrene NP transfer to Coryphaena hippurus (mahi-mahi) larvae, a widely consumed fish and significant marine predator, during the early life stage. Brachionus plicatilis (rotifers) were exposed to NPs, and subsequently fed to C. hippurus larvae, with exposure duration ranging from 24 to 96 h. Significant NP transfer was observed via the food chain, varying with exposure duration. A depuration study over 72 h, simulating intermittent NP exposure, revealed substantial NP excretion but also notable retention in the larvae. Biodistribution analysis indicated that most NPs accumulated in the gut, with a significant portion remaining post-depuration and some translocating to other body areas containing vital organs like the heart, liver, and gall bladder. Despite no significant effects on body length and eye diameter during this short study period, histopathological analysis revealed intestinal tissue damage in the larvae. Overall, this study provides valuable insight into the trophic transfer of NPs in marine food webs, emphasizing the need for further research on ecological impacts and highlighting the importance of addressing NP contamination to protect marine ecosystems and food safety.
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Trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of nanoplastics in Coryphaena hippurus (Mahi-mahi) and effect of depuration
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how nanoplastics transfer through the food chain to mahi-mahi fish larvae via contaminated rotifers. The study found significant nanoplastic accumulation primarily in the gut, with some particles translocating to other body parts and persisting even after a depuration period, along with evidence of intestinal tissue damage in the larvae.
Trophic transfer and individual impact of nano-sized polystyrene in a four-species freshwater food chain
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Researchers traced nano-sized polystyrene plastics through a four-species freshwater food chain — from algae to water fleas to two fish species — finding that nanoplastics transferred at each level and caused reduced activity, liver damage in fish, and penetration into fish embryos. The results highlight the broad ecological and health risks of nanoplastics moving up through aquatic food webs.
Trophic transfer of nanoplastics reduces larval survival of marine fish more than waterborne exposure
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This study compared direct waterborne exposure versus trophic transfer of micro- and nanoplastics on marine fish larvae, finding that trophic transfer caused significantly higher larval mortality. The results suggest that dietary uptake through the food web is a more dangerous exposure route than direct water contact for early-stage fish.
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In a food chain study, researchers found that the smallest nanoplastics (70 nm) accumulated in fish at nearly double the rate of larger microplastics when passed through a prey organism first. Long-term exposure through the food chain caused liver inflammation, disrupted fat and energy metabolism, and impaired reproduction in the fish. This shows how tiny plastics can build up and cause harm as they move through the food web, which is relevant to humans who eat seafood.
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Researchers studied the trophic transfer of nanoplastics from brine shrimp to small yellow croaker fish over an eight-day feeding experiment. The fish exposed to nanoplastics through their prey showed inhibited growth, severe liver damage, and impaired swimming ability. The study demonstrates that nanoplastics can accumulate through marine food chains and cause measurable harm to predator species.
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