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Evaluating the impact of the combined acute toxicity of iron (Fe) and microplastics on Namalycastis jaya
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This study tested the combined effects of iron and polystyrene microplastics on a marine worm species and found that exposure to both pollutants together caused more severe oxidative stress and tissue damage than either alone. The microplastics also increased how much iron accumulated in the worms' bodies, amplifying the toxic effects. The findings highlight how microplastics can worsen the impact of heavy metal pollution in marine organisms.
The rising concern over heavy metals (HMs) and microplastics (MPs) pollution in marine ecosystems, primarily driven by anthropogenic activities, poses significant threats to ecological health. Understanding the combined exposure of HMs and MPs aids in toxicity assessment. In this study, we examined the combined effects of polystyrene microplastics (MPs) and iron (Fe) on oxidative stress, bioaccumulation, histopathology, and genotoxicity in Namalycastis jaya. Oxidative stress was assessed by analyzing the levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (POD), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Bicinchoninic acid (BCA), while genotoxicity was evaluated using the comet assay. Bioaccumulation analysis, conducted via Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), indicated that the highest values (4.790 µg/ml) were observed in combined exposure, emphasizing the significant increase in iron (Fe) accumulation in polychaetes facilitated by MPs. Biochemical analysis revealed that oxidative damage in polychaetes became evident within 48 h of exposure to individual contaminants. However, in the case of combined exposures, elevated stress levels were observed within just 24 h. The genotoxic assay further demonstrated a higher degree of DNA damage in the combined exposure compared to individual exposures. Similarly, histopathology revealed mild alterations in the gut epithelium in combined exposures. It is evident that MPs intensify both oxidative and DNA damage induced by Fe in polychaetes. The insights gained from this study provide valuable information for the risk assessment of Fe and MPs in environmental safety, contributing to our understanding of the complex interactions between these pollutants in marine ecosystems.
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Combined toxicity of polyethylene microplastics and nickel oxide nanoparticle on earthworm (Eisenia andrei): oxidative stress responses, bioavailability and joint effect
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Researchers studied the combined toxicity of polyethylene microplastics and nickel oxide nanoparticles on earthworms over 28 days. They found that smaller microplastics caused greater oxidative stress, and the combination of both pollutants was more harmful than either one alone. The study suggests that the co-occurrence of microplastics and metal nanoparticles in soil can amplify negative effects on soil-dwelling organisms.
Ecotoxicological effects of microplastics and cadmium on the earthworm Eisenia foetida
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Researchers studied the effects of microplastics alone and combined with the heavy metal cadmium on earthworms over 42 days. They found that both exposures reduced growth and increased mortality, with the combined treatment causing the most damage through increased oxidative stress. The study also revealed that microplastics can increase cadmium accumulation in earthworms by up to 161%, suggesting microplastics may worsen heavy metal contamination in soil ecosystems.
The combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics with nickel on oxidative stress and related toxic effects to earthworms from individual and cellular perspectives
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Researchers studied the combined toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and nickel on earthworms at both the individual and cellular levels. They found that nanoplastics amplified the harmful effects of nickel by increasing oxidative stress, reducing cell viability, and disrupting the balance between protective and damaging molecules in cells. The findings suggest that nanoplastics can worsen the toxicity of heavy metals already present in contaminated soils.
Polyethylene microplastics enhance metal(loid)s toxicity and accumulation in the marine rotifer Proales similis
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Researchers studied how polyethylene microplastics interact with toxic metals like arsenic, cadmium, copper, and lead in their effects on a tropical marine rotifer. They found that microplastics enhanced the toxicity and accumulation of these metals in the organism, even at realistic environmental concentrations. The study suggests that the combination of microplastics and metal pollutants in marine environments poses a greater risk to aquatic life than either pollutant alone.
Synergistic and additive effects of microplastic, nickel and pyrene on survival, reproduction, and egestion of a tropical copepod
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Researchers exposed a tropical copepod species to microplastics, nickel, and pyrene both individually and in combination to assess their effects on survival, reproduction, and feeding. They found that the pollutants produced synergistic and additive harmful effects when combined, meaning the mixtures were more damaging than individual exposures alone. The study highlights the importance of evaluating multiple stressors together when assessing pollution risks in tropical coastal ecosystems.
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