Effects of microplastics separate exposure and co-exposure to 17β-estradiol on the productive performance of juvenile female Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Microplastics (MPs) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals are persistent and ubiquitous pollutants in aquatic environments. The coexistence of MPs and 17β-estradiol (E) in aquaculture water is concerning, yet their combined impact on aquaculture products remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the individual and combined effects of MPs and E on juvenile female Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis). The results revealed that MPs and E, alone and in combination, damage the histology and ultrastructure of the hepatopancreas, reduce lipid storage, and inhibit the expression of genes related to innate immunity, energy metabolism, and reproductive development in the hepatopancreas. These effects result in decreased innate immunity and impact growth and development. MPs and E also damage pereiopod muscles and ovarian tissues, impairing locomotor function and reproductive development. The coexposure group exhibited the combined damage effects of MPs and E. Fluctuations in gene expression at different time points suggest that E. sinensis is self-regulated in response to external stimuli from MPs and E. These findings emphasize the effects of MPs and E, indicating that their coexistence in aquaculture environments threatens the productive performance of E. sinensis.