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Toxicity of nano- and microplastics on marine and freshwater fish: A multi-scale perspective from organ systems to cells
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This review pulls together existing studies showing that tiny plastic particles (micro- and nanoplastics) can build up in fish, damaging their gut, gills, heart, brain, and immune system by causing inflammation and cellular stress. While this research was done in fish, it matters for us too, since these plastics are widespread in water and seafood, and fish share many biological similarities with humans, meaning our bodies could face similar risks from ongoing plastic exposure.
Nano- and microplastic pollution is increasingly recognized as a global threat to aquatic organisms and human health. These plastics are widespread in both marine and freshwater environments and pose significant risks to fish health. This review explores the routes of exposure, accumulation, and adverse effects of nano- and microplastics on fish, from the organ system to the cellular level. The primary routes of exposure are through ingestion and uptake via the gills. Once inside the body, these plastics accumulate in the gut and gills, penetrate the bloodstream, and bioaccumulate in other tissues. Exposure leads to intestinal and hepatic damage, disrupts digestive enzyme activity, induces oxidative stress, alters gut microbiota and metabolism, and causes digestive tract dysfunction. In the respiratory system, plastic accumulation in the gills induces hyperplasia, excessive mucus secretion, and impairs oxygen exchange. Small-sized particles can enter the bloodstream and reach the heart, causing cardiotoxicity, altered heart rate, and changes in cardiac sarcomeres, along with disruptions in blood biochemical parameters. Upon reaching the nervous system, nano- and microplastics cause neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, cellular damage, and neuroinflammation. Tissue damage and oxidative stress also activate immune responses, including pro-inflammatory reactions and increased expression of immune proteins and molecules. At the cellular level, nanoplastics may accumulate in lysosomes or cross cell membranes, leading to elevated oxidative stress, potential genotoxicity, and membrane damage. The severity of these effects depends on particle size, type, concentration, and duration of exposure. This review aims to enhance understanding of the systemic and cellular toxicities of nano- and microplastics in fish, providing a foundation for future ecological risk assessments and the development of mitigation strategies.
More Papers Like This
Bioaccumulation and Toxic Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Zebrafish: A Critical Review
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Researchers comprehensively reviewed micro- and nanoplastic bioaccumulation and toxicity in zebrafish, finding that these particles accumulate in digestive organs, gills, liver, and brain, inducing oxidative stress, developmental delays, neurotoxicity, and transgenerational reproductive impairments that highlight broad ecological risks.
Micro/nanoplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: An Integrated Review of Occurrence, Toxicological Implications, Case Studies, Methodologies, and Future Recommendations
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This integrated review covers the occurrence, toxicology, and detection of micro- and nanoplastics across freshwater, marine, and estuarine ecosystems, using case studies to illustrate biomagnification through aquatic food webs and the compounding risk from co-occurring chemical contaminants. The review calls for stronger international collaboration and policy frameworks grounded in scientific evidence, recognizing that the pervasive nature of micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic systems poses escalating risks to both ecosystem integrity and human health.
Toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics for aquatic organisms along the freshwater-marine water continuum.
AI summary Read the abstract
I should note upfront that the abstract provided doesn't include specific findings, just a title and generic text, so I can't accurately summarize what this paper actually discovered. Based on the title alone: this appears to be a review looking at how tiny plastic particles (microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics) harm water-dwelling organisms as they move from rivers and lakes out to the ocean. Understanding this matters because these same waterways are where much of our seafood comes from, and plastic pollution that harms fish and other aquatic life could eventually work its way into the food we eat. If you can share the actual abstract text, I'd be
Physiological Alterations and Immune Modulation in Fish Exposed to Microplastics
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Researchers reviewed the physiological and immunological effects of microplastic exposure in fish, finding that these particles smaller than 5 mm induce a range of biological disruptions including immune modulation, oxidative stress, and systemic health impacts with broader implications for aquatic ecosystem integrity.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.