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Combined toxicity of polyvinyl chloride microplastics and copper to marine jacopever (Sebastes schlegelii)
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Researchers studied the combined effects of PVC microplastics and copper on a marine fish species and found that the two pollutants together caused significantly more harm than either one alone. The microplastics accelerated copper buildup in the fish's liver, leading to greater oxidative damage and growth problems. This is relevant to human health because fish that accumulate both microplastics and heavy metals may pass those contaminants to people through the food chain.
Marine organisms commonly encounter co-stress resulting from the coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals pollution in marine environments. Nevertheless, the combined effects and toxicity mechanisms of MPs and heavy metals on marine organisms remain unclear. This study integrated growth, physiological, morphological, and biochemical markers to assess the individual and combined toxicity of polyvinyl chloride MPs (PVC MPs, 1 × 10 particles/L) and copper (Cu, 200 μg/L) on marine jacopever (Sebastes schlegelii). The results revealed that co-exposure to MPs and Cu had a more detrimental impact on jacopever compared to the single-exposure groups, as evidenced by the enhanced growth inhibition, respiratory stress, and hepatotoxicity. This phenomenon may be attributed to PVC MPs accelerating the accumulation of Cu in jacopever liver. Therefore, peroxidation damage occurred in the co-exposed liver and may result in liver dysfunction. These findings contribute valuable insights into the risks associated with the coexistence of MPs and heavy metal pollution in marine ecosystems.
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