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Impacts of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) microplastic exposure on physiology and metabolic profiles of Litopenaeus vannamei
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Researchers exposed Pacific white shrimp to biodegradable PHB microplastics and found that while short-term exposure up to 100 mg/L showed no acute toxicity, long-term feeding with higher concentrations led to reduced survival, slower growth, and changes in metabolic pathways. The metabolic disruptions included alterations in amino acid and lipid metabolism, suggesting the shrimp's bodies were under significant stress. The findings indicate that even biodegradable plastics can have meaningful negative effects on marine aquaculture species over time.
In light of increasing concerns about microplastic pollution, it is crucial to understand the biological impacts of biodegradable PHB microplastics on marine organisms. This study included a 96-h exposure experiment to assess acute toxicity at PHB concentrations of 0 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 500 mg/L and 1000 mg/L. Additionally, a 60-day feeding trial was conducted with PHB concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg to evaluate the long-term effects on growth, physiological health and metabolic responses of Litopenaeus vannamei. Results from the exposure experiment indicated that PHB microplastics up to 100 mg/L were non-toxic to shrimp. However, the 60-day feeding trial revealed that higher concentrations led to slight reductions in survival rates and growth performance, indicating a concentration-dependent response. Analysis of antioxidant and immune enzymes showed minimal changes across most parameters. However, increases in malondialdehyde content and lysozyme activity at higher PHB levels suggested a stress response. Microbial analysis indicated higher species richness and greater community diversity in the PHB group compared to controls, as evidenced by Chao1, ACE, Shannon and Simpson indices. Linear discriminant analysis revealed that Enterobacteriales and related taxa were more prevalent in the PHB group, while Rhodobacteraceae and associated taxa dominated the control group. Pathway analysis highlighted enhanced signal transduction, cell mobility and metabolic resource reallocation in response to PHB-induced stress. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed significant regulatory changes, especially in lipid metabolism pathways. These findings suggest that while PHB microplastics trigger adaptive metabolic responses in shrimp, they do not cause acute toxicity. Significant variations in intestinal microbiome composition reflect potential shifts in gut health dynamics due to PHB ingestion. This study enhances our understanding of the ecological impacts of microplastics and underscores the necessity for further research into the environmental safety of biodegradable alternatives.
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Polystyrene nanoplastics induce lipid metabolism disorder and alter fatty acid composition in the hepatopancreas of Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
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Researchers exposed Pacific whiteleg shrimp to different concentrations of polystyrene nanoplastics for 28 days and found significant disruption to fat metabolism in the shrimp's digestive organ. Higher concentrations caused tissue damage, reduced protein and fat content, and altered the activity of enzymes that control how the body processes fats. Since shrimp is a widely consumed seafood, these findings raise questions about how nanoplastic contamination in aquaculture could affect the nutritional quality and safety of shellfish for human consumption.
Biodegradable microplastics: Uptake by and effects on the rockpool shrimp Palaemon elegans (Crustacea: Decapoda)
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Researchers fed shrimp three types of microplastics, including two biodegradable kinds (PLA and PHBV) and conventional polyethylene, and found that all types were readily eaten. Surprisingly, the biodegradable microplastics stayed in the shrimp's stomachs longer than the conventional plastic, and all types triggered stress-related enzyme activity. This suggests that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safer for marine life than conventional plastics once they break down into microplastic-sized particles.
Accumulation and damage of polyethylene-microplastics to the digestive system of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp exposed through feed
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Researchers fed juvenile Pacific white shrimp diets containing polyethylene microplastics at varying concentrations for 28 days. While survival and growth were not affected, microplastics accumulated in the digestive system and caused tissue damage to the hepatopancreas and intestine, suggesting that even without visible growth effects, microplastic ingestion can cause internal harm to commercially important crustacean species.
Tissue accumulation of polystyrene microplastics causes oxidative stress, hepatopancreatic injury and metabolome alterations in Litopenaeus vannamei
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Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics accumulated in shrimp organs, especially the liver-like hepatopancreas, causing growth problems, abnormal swimming, and oxidative stress. Higher microplastic concentrations led to greater tissue damage and disrupted key metabolic pathways including sugar, fat, and amino acid processing. The study expands our understanding of how microplastics affect commercially important seafood species.
Effect of polyethylene microplastics on oxidative stress and histopathology damages in Litopenaeus vannamei
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Researchers injected fluorescent polyethylene microspheres into Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and found that microplastic exposure increased oxidative stress markers and caused histopathological damage to hepatopancreas and gill tissue, even at relatively low concentrations.
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