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Exposure to nanoplastics and nanomaterials either single and combined affects the gill-associated microbiome of the Antarctic soft-shelled clam Laternula elliptica
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Researchers exposed the Antarctic soft-shell clam Laternula elliptica to polystyrene nanoparticles and nano-titanium dioxide — alone and combined — and found that both nanomaterials shift the gill-associated microbiome toward potentially harmful bacterial taxa, with combined exposure amplifying changes in metabolic functions related to nutrient and DNA processing.
Nanoplastics and engineering nanomaterials (ENMs) are contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), increasingly being detected in the marine environment and recognized as a potential threat for marine biota at the global level including in polar areas. Few studies have assessed the impact of these anthropogenic nanoparticles in the microbiome of marine invertebrates, however combined exposure resembling natural scenarios has been overlooked. The present study aimed to evaluate the single and combined effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NP) as proxy for nanoplastics and nanoscale titanium dioxide (nano-TiO) on the prokaryotic communities associated with the gill tissue of the Antarctic soft-shell clam Laternula elliptica, a keystone species of marine benthos Wild-caught specimens were exposed to two environmentally relevant concentrations of carboxylated PS NP (PS-COOH NP, ∼62 nm size) and nano-TiO (Aeroxide P25, ∼25 nm) as 5 and 50 μg/L either single and combined for 96h in a semi-static condition.Our findings show a shift in microbiome composition in gills of soft-shell clams exposed to PS NP and nano-TiO either alone and in combination with a decrease in the relative abundance of OTU1 (Spirochaetaceae). In addition, an increase of gammaproteobacterial OTUs affiliated to MBAE14 and Methylophagaceae (involved in ammonia denitrification and associated with low-quality water), and the OTU Colwellia rossensis (previously recorded in polluted waters) was observed. Our results suggest that nanoplastics and nano-TiO alone and in combination induce alterations in microbiome composition by promoting the increase of negative taxa over beneficial ones in the gills of the Antarctic soft-shell clam. An increase of two low abundance OTUs in PS-COOH NPs exposed clams was also observed. A predicted gene function analysis revealed that sugar, lipid, protein and DNA metabolism were the main functions affected by either PS-COOH NP and nano-TiO exposure. The molecular functions involved in the altered affiliated OTUs are novel for nano-CEC exposures.
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Transcriptomic responses of Antarctic clam Laternula elliptica to nanoparticles, at single and combined exposures reveal ecologically relevant biomarkers
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Researchers exposed Antarctic clams to polystyrene nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, finding that both types altered gene expression in ways affecting immune function, antioxidant defenses, lipid metabolism, and cell structure — with the combined exposure producing a distinct response. Four specific gene transcripts were identified as reliable biomarkers for nanoparticle exposure, offering tools for monitoring pollution in the fragile Antarctic ecosystem.
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Scientists exposed Antarctic clams to tiny plastic particles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (common in sunscreens and paints) at levels similar to what's found in the environment, and discovered that these pollutants disrupt hundreds of genes involved in cell health, energy production, and stress responses. When the two pollutants combined, the clams' metabolism slowed down significantly, suggesting these contaminants can team up to cause more harm than either alone. While this study is in clams rather than humans, it's a warning sign: nanoplastics and nanoparticles are reaching even the most remote corners of the planet.
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Researchers exposed intertidal clams to polystyrene nanoplastics and used transcriptomics to assess gill tissue impacts, finding 1,182 upregulated and 1,626 downregulated genes related to immune modulation, antioxidant defense, and apoptosis. Histopathological examination revealed structural damage to gill tissues including ciliary erosion, lamellae fusion, and lipofuscin accumulation. The study establishes a high-quality genomic resource for this clam species while demonstrating the ecotoxicological effects of nanoplastics on sessile marine bivalves.
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