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Toxic mechanisms of nanoplastics exposure at environmental concentrations on juvenile red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): From multiple perspectives
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Researchers exposed juvenile red swamp crayfish to nanoplastics at concentrations found in the environment and observed stunted growth, oxidative stress, liver and gill damage, and changes in gene activity. Different concentrations triggered different toxic pathways, including immune disruption and metabolic problems. Since crayfish are a widely consumed freshwater species, these findings raise concerns about nanoplastic contamination in the food supply.
Nanoplastics pollution has emerged as a global issue due to its widespread potential toxicity. This study delved in to toxic effects of nanoplastics on juvenile P. clarkii and molecular mechanisms from perspectives of growth, biochemical, histopathological analysis and transcriptome level for the first time. The findings of this study indicated that nanoplastics of different concentrations have varying influence mechanisms on juvenile P. clarkii. Nanoplastics have inhibitory effects on growth of juvenile P. clarkii, can induce oxidative stress. The biochemical analysis and transcriptome results indicated that 10 mg/L nanoplastics can activate the antioxidant defense system and non-specific immune system in juvenile P. clarkii, and affect energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. While 20 mg/L and 40 mg/L have a destructive influence on the immune function in juvenile P. clarkii, leading to lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage, and induce apoptosis, can affect ion transport and osmotic pressure regulation. The findings of this study can offer foundational data for delving further into impacts of nanoplastics on crustaceans and toxicity mechanism.
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Time-Dependent Polystyrene Nanoplastic Toxicity in Cherax quadricarinatus: Oxidative Stress, Gut Dysbiosis, and Hepatopancreatic Bioaccumulation
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Scientists exposed crayfish to nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles) for three weeks and found the plastics built up in their liver-like organ nearly 10-fold, while also causing oxidative stress, weakened immune function, and disrupted gut bacteria—all worsening the longer exposure lasted. Since crayfish and similar shellfish are commonly eaten, this raises questions about whether nanoplastic buildup in seafood could pose similar risks to people, though more research is needed to confirm effects in humans.
Effects of nanoplastic exposure on the immunity and metabolism of red crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) based on high-throughput sequencing
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Researchers examined nanoplastic effects on red crayfish using transcriptomics and microbiome analysis, finding that high concentrations suppressed antioxidant and immune responses while significantly altering gut microbial communities.
Accumulation of polyethylene microplastics induces oxidative stress, microbiome dysbiosis and immunoregulation in crayfish
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Researchers exposed crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) to polyethylene microplastics through their diet for 21 days and found that particles accumulated in the intestine, hepatopancreas, gills, and blood, persisting even after a week of depuration in clean water. The accumulated microplastics caused oxidative stress, disrupted the gut microbiome, and altered immune regulation. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may compromise the health and immune defenses of commercially important freshwater crustaceans.
The effect of a polystyrene nanoplastic on the intestinal microbes and oxidative stress defense of the freshwater crayfish, Procambarus clarkii
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Researchers tested the acute effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on freshwater crayfish and found that exposure altered the composition of intestinal bacteria and disrupted oxidative stress defenses. Higher concentrations of nanoplastics led to more severe changes in gut microbial diversity and antioxidant enzyme activity. The study adds to growing evidence that nanoplastic pollution can harm the gut health and immune defenses of freshwater organisms.
From Adaptation to Collapse: Immune Remodeling, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Cell Death Induced by Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Procambarus clarkii Hepatopancreas
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Scientists exposed crayfish to tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) at different doses and found that low levels caused mild stress responses, but higher levels overwhelmed the animals' cells, damaging DNA, disrupting immune function, and triggering cell death. This matters because it shows plastic pollution can build up in freshwater food chains and cause real biological harm—and since crayfish are a food source for humans and other animals, it raises questions about how nanoplastics accumulating in our environment might similarly stress human cells and organs.
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