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Preparation of PBAT microplastics and their potential toxicity to zebrafish embryos and juveniles
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This study tested the toxicity of PBAT biodegradable microplastics on zebrafish embryos and young fish, finding they impaired swimming behavior even though they did not obviously affect body development. The biodegradable microplastics persisted in the fish's bodies after ingestion. This challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are completely safe, since they can still form microplastics that harm aquatic life and may enter the human food chain through fish.
The extensive use of traditional non-biodegradable plastics results in the generation of microplastics (MPs), forming a new pollutant that can pose significant environmental risks. Biodegradable plastics (BP) possess degradation properties and can partially replace conventional plastics, thereby reducing pollution. However, further investigation is needed into the toxicity of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) on aquatic organisms. This study explores the toxic effects of PBAT microplastics (PBAT-BMPs) and microplastics produced from degradable PBAT/TPS (thermoplastic starch) composite film (PBAT/TPS-BMPs) on zebrafish embryos. Our findings indicate that the presence of microplastics on the embryo's surface increases with higher BMPs concentration. Nonetheless, PBAT-BMPs tend to aggregate and are blocked by the embryonic membrane, thus diminishing their toxic effects on the embryo. Acute toxicity experiments revealed that 30 mg/L of PBAT-BMPs significantly reduced the survival rate of zebrafish embryos, whereas PBAT/TPS-BMPs had a lesser effect on survival. Both types of BMPs influenced the hatching rate of the embryos, leading to prolonged incubation periods. Additionally, both types of BMPs impacted the locomotor behavior of zebrafish larvae, causing an increase in larval locomotor speed. However, these BMPs had little impact on larval body development and heartbeat behavior. Fluorescent microplastic tracer experiments demonstrated that PBAT-BMPs persisted in juvenile fish for at least 144 h and were difficult to metabolize and excrete. Our study aims to gain a better understanding of the potential effects of BMPs on aquatic ecosystems and biological health, as well as to propose effective strategies for reducing environmental pollution and protecting organisms.
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Behavioral toxicity and neurotoxic mechanisms of PLA-PBAT biodegradable microplastics in zebrafish
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This study tested the toxicity of biodegradable PLA-PBAT microplastics -- a common "eco-friendly" plastic alternative -- on zebrafish over 21 days. The biodegradable microplastics caused behavioral changes, reduced growth, brain inflammation, and disrupted neurotransmitter levels similar to conventional plastics. These findings challenge the assumption that biodegradable plastics are safer for living organisms.
Micro- and Nanoplastics Exposure and Effects on Embryonic Development and Larval Behavior of Zebrafish
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to nanoplastics for three to five days and measured developmental and behavioral endpoints, finding that plastic accumulation in early development slowed yolk consumption and body growth on day two and increased locomotion while reducing body length by day six — supporting persistent developmental disruption from nanoplastic exposure.
Effects of pristine or contaminated polyethylene microplastics on zebrafish development
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Researchers examined the effects of both pristine and pollutant-contaminated polyethylene microplastics on zebrafish development through chronic exposure. The study assessed how microplastics, both alone and as carriers of adsorbed organic pollutants, affect developing fish. The findings provide new insights into how contaminated microplastics may create additional routes for toxic compounds to enter aquatic food webs.
Assessing the embryotoxicity of polypropylene micro- and nanoplastics generated through simulated environmental weathering in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers generated environmentally weathered polypropylene micro- and nanoplastics through combined UV and mechanical degradation and exposed zebrafish embryos, finding accelerated hatching, abnormal spontaneous movements, altered swimming behavior, and particle accumulation on the egg surface — indicating meaningful developmental and behavioral toxicity during early life stages.
Exposure to microplastics decreases swimming competence in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos and larvae to polystyrene microplastics and found that the particles adhered to egg surfaces before being ingested into the stomach and intestines after hatching. At higher concentrations, exposed larvae showed significantly reduced swimming distance and speed, along with upregulated genes related to inflammation and oxidative stress. The study suggests that microplastic exposure can impair swimming ability in larval fish, which could have broader ecological consequences for population fitness.
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