We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The masking phenomenon of microplastics additives on oxidative stress responses in freshwater food chains
Summary
Scientists investigated how microplastic additives can mask or alter oxidative stress responses in freshwater food chains spanning algae, water fleas, and fish. Researchers found that the chemical additives in polystyrene microplastics complicated the interpretation of stress biomarkers at different levels of the food chain. The study suggests that microplastic additives may hide the true extent of biological harm caused by plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems.
The variability and intrinsic mechanisms of oxidative stress induced by microplastics at different trophic levels in freshwater food chains are not well understood. To comprehensively assess the oxidative stress induced by polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in freshwater food chains, the present study first quantified the oxidative stress induced by PS-MPs in organisms at different trophic levels using factorial experimental design and molecular dynamics methods. Then focuses on analyzing the variability of these responses across different trophic levels using mathematical statistical analysis. Notably, higher trophic level organisms exhibit diminished responses under PS-MPs exposure. Furthermore, the coexistence of multiple additives was found to mask these responses, with antioxidant plastic additives significantly influencing oxidative stress responses. Mechanism analysis using computational chemistry simulation determines that protein structure and amino acid characteristics are key factors driving PS-MPs induced oxidative stress variation in freshwater organisms at different nutrient levels. Increased hydrophobic additives induce protein helicalization and amino acid residue aggregation. This study systematically reveals the variability of biological oxidative stress response under different nutrient levels, emphasizing the pivotal role of chemical additives. Overall, this study offers crucial insights into PS-MPs' impact on oxidative stress responses in freshwater ecosystems, informing future environmental risk assessment.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in freshwater food chains: Priority list based on identification of oxidative stress response characteristic
Using computer simulations, researchers modeled how microplastics cause oxidative stress across freshwater food chains, finding that lower-level organisms like algae experience more damage than fish at the top. The study also identified which types of plastics and chemical additives pose the greatest risk, providing a priority list to guide pollution management in freshwater environments.
Disentangling the influence of microplastics and their chemical additives on a model detritivore system
Researchers disentangled the physical and chemical effects of microplastics on freshwater detritivores, finding that chemical additives leaching from plastics contributed more to negative impacts on organisms than the polymer particles themselves.
Toxic impact of polystyrene microplastic particles in freshwater organisms
Researchers tested the toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on four freshwater species including algae, rotifers, crustaceans, and ostracods. They found that water fleas were the most sensitive, with chronic effects appearing at very low concentrations, and that microplastics caused both DNA damage and increased production of reactive oxygen species. The study highlights that even at relatively low concentrations, microplastics can pose a meaningful threat to freshwater ecosystems.
From plankton to fish: The multifaceted threat of microplastics in freshwater environments
This review summarizes how microplastics harm freshwater organisms from tiny plankton to fish through oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, gut microbiome disruption, and metabolic disorders. Microplastics often combine with other pollutants in water, making their toxic effects even worse. Since freshwater systems are a major pathway for microplastics entering oceans and our food supply, understanding these effects is critical for protecting both ecosystems and human health.
Effects of microplastics contamination on marine biota
Researchers exposed mussels to PVC microplastics under different conditions, finding that short-term exposure caused physiological stress influenced by plastic additives and concentration, while long-term exposure allowed some adaptation. Microplastics were transferred along the food chain to predators but were not absorbed into tissues, suggesting physical passage rather than bioaccumulation.