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How do microplastics alter molluscicidal activity? Effects of weathered microplastics and niclosamide in developing freshwater snails
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Researchers discovered that polyethylene microplastics in water reduce the effectiveness of niclosamide, the only molluscicide recommended by the WHO for controlling the snails that spread schistosomiasis, a disease affecting over 236 million people. The microplastics absorb the chemical, making it less available to kill the target snails. This finding raises concerns that microplastic pollution in tropical waterways could undermine disease control programs, indirectly affecting human health.
Despite the wide distribution and persistence of microplastics (MPs), their interactive effects with molluscicides are unknown. Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, affects 236.6 million people worldwide. Niclosamide (NCL) is the only molluscicide recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and it is used to control the population of Schistosoma spp.'s intermediate host. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate of the interaction between polyethylene (PE) MPs and NCL, and their associated toxicity in the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say 1818). Weathered PE MPs were characterized and theoretical analysis of NCL-MP adsorption nature was made using quantum mechanical calculations. The toxicity of NCL isolated (0.0265 to 0.0809 mg L) and under interaction with PE MPs (3400 μg L) in B. glabrata embryos and newly hatched snails was analyzed. In silico analysis confirmed the adsorption mechanisms of NCL into PE MPs. PE MPs decreased the NCL toxicity to both B. glabrata developmental stages, increasing their survival and NCL lethal concentrations, indicating concerns regarding NCL use as molluscicide in aquatic environments polluted by MPs. In conclusion, MPs may change the efficiency of chemicals used in snail control programs.
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