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Biodegradable microplastics: Uptake by and effects on the rockpool shrimp Palaemon elegans (Crustacea: Decapoda)
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Researchers fed shrimp three types of microplastics, including two biodegradable kinds (PLA and PHBV) and conventional polyethylene, and found that all types were readily eaten. Surprisingly, the biodegradable microplastics stayed in the shrimp's stomachs longer than the conventional plastic, and all types triggered stress-related enzyme activity. This suggests that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safer for marine life than conventional plastics once they break down into microplastic-sized particles.
Ingestion of microplastics can lead to deleterious consequences for organisms, as documented by numerous laboratory studies. The current knowledge is based on a multitude of effect studies, conducted with conventional fossil-based and non-degradable plastics. However, there is a lack of information about the acceptance and the effects of novel bio-based and biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable plastics are considered an alternative to conventional plastics and are showing rapidly growing production rates. Biodegradable plastics can disperse into the environment in the same way as conventional plastics do, becoming available to marine organisms. This study aims to provide new insights into the uptake and effects of biodegradable microplastics on marine invertebrates. Rockpool shrimp, Palaemon elegans, were fed with algal flakes coated with polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) and conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microparticles. Live observations showed that all of the different types of microplastics were ingested. After dissection of the shrimp, less LDPE particles were found in the stomachs than PLA and PHBV particles. This indicates a longer retention time of biodegradable microplastics compared to conventional microplastics. Presumably, less LDPE particles were ingested or evacuated from the stomach, probably by regurgitation. The ingestion of microparticles of all types of plastics induced enzymatic activity of short-chain carboxylesterases in the midgut glands of the shrimp. However, only PLA induced enzymatic activity of medium-chain carboxylesterases. Palaemon elegans showed no oxidative stress response after ingestion of microparticles, irrespective of polymer type. From our results we conclude that biodegradable plastics might have different effects than conventional plastics. The longer retention times of biodegradable plastics might enhance exposure to leaching additives and other harmful substances. Our study provides new insights into how biodegradable plastics might affect aquatic fauna and indicate that the use of biodegradable plastics needs to be reconsidered to some extent.
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Researchers tested whether biodegradable plastics (PLA) are safer for marine life than conventional plastics (polypropylene) and found that both types caused similar toxic effects in marine animals. Both plastics triggered stress responses and cell damage in brine shrimp at multiple life stages, with more advanced stages being more sensitive. This raises doubts about whether switching to biodegradable plastics will actually reduce the harm of microplastic pollution in oceans.
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Researchers exposed Pacific white shrimp to biodegradable PHB microplastics and found that while short-term exposure up to 100 mg/L showed no acute toxicity, long-term feeding with higher concentrations led to reduced survival, slower growth, and changes in metabolic pathways. The metabolic disruptions included alterations in amino acid and lipid metabolism, suggesting the shrimp's bodies were under significant stress. The findings indicate that even biodegradable plastics can have meaningful negative effects on marine aquaculture species over time.
Stress induction in Hippolyte inermis Leach (1816) larvae by microplastics from manufactured polylactic acid and polypropylene cups
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Scientists exposed baby shrimp to microplastics from both regular plastic cups and "eco-friendly" plant-based (PLA) cups, and found something worth noting: even though the shrimp didn't die or grow abnormally, their cells showed clear signs of stress and were working overtime to detoxify themselves. This matters because it suggests microplastics can cause hidden damage that basic health checks might miss — and it raises questions about whether "biodegradable" plastic alternatives are actually gentler on living things, since they triggered similar stress responses as regular plastic.
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Scientists tested how a "biodegradable" plastic (PHBV, often used in eco-friendly packaging) affects tiny shrimp-like creatures when combined with warmer water temperatures—conditions similar to what's happening in oceans today. They found that while these bioplastics didn't cause the cell damage typically seen with regular microplastics, higher doses combined with warmer temperatures caused notable gut damage and subtle changes in important fatty acids these animals need. This matters because it shows that "eco-friendly" plastic alternatives aren't automatically risk-free for marine life, and as ocean temperatures r
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Researchers provided the first molecular evidence of how the Mediterranean shrimp Hippolyte inermis responds to biodegradable microplastics at the gene expression level. Larvae were exposed to five different biodegradable polymers at varying concentrations, and researchers measured changes in 18 genes involved in stress response and detoxification. The study establishes this shrimp species as a model organism for studying the biological effects of biodegradable plastics on marine crustaceans.
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