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Are mixtures of micro/nanoplastics more toxic than individual micro or nanoplastic contamination in the clam Ruditapes decussatus?
Summary
Researchers exposed clams to polystyrene nanoplastics and polyethylene microplastics, both separately and in combination, to test whether mixtures are more harmful. They found that nanoplastics accumulated more readily in clam tissues and that the mixture caused greater oxidative stress and cellular damage than either type of plastic alone. The study suggests that real-world exposure to multiple plastic particle sizes may be more harmful than exposure to a single type.
The abundance of micro (MPs) and nano (NPs) sized plastic particles in the ocean is concerning due to their harmful effects on marine life. The interactions between MPs and NPs in the marine environment and their impact on marine biota remain not fully understood. This study contributes with new insights into the interaction between polystyrene NPs (PSNPs) and polyethylene MPs (PEMPs) on the clam Ruditapes decussatus. Results showed ingestion of MPs and NPs by clams, with PSNPs demonstrating higher toxicity in hemolymph. While no genotoxicity was observed, clams treated with MPs and the mixture showed increased acetylcolinesterase (AchE) activity over time. Additionally, the antioxidant defense system mitigated oxidative stress, suggesting effective neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Hazard assessment indicated the greatest impact on clam digestive glands after ten days of exposure, with an antagonistic interaction between MPs and NPs noted.