We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic exposure causes organ damage in Puntius sophore
Summary
Researchers sampled a freshwater ecosystem in Tamil Nadu, India, and exposed the local fish Puntius sophore to collected microplastics at sub-lethal concentrations, then assessed organ damage. Microplastic exposure caused histological damage in gills, liver, and kidney of this freshwater sentinel species, with oxidative stress biomarkers elevated in all three organs.
Microplastic pollution is an emerging threat to freshwater ecosystems, yet remains insufficiently monitored in regions where water quality assessment still depends largely on conventional physicochemical parameters. This study investigates microplastic contamination in a freshwater ecosystem in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, and its sub-lethal effects on the sentinel fish Puntius sophore. Surface water and fish specimens were collected from multiple sampling stations and examined for microplastic presence using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), followed by histopathological evaluation of intestinal, hepatic, and renal tissues and haematological assessment. Although physicochemical parameters were within permissible limits, FTIR confirmed the presence of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), predominantly in the form of fibres. Histopathological alterations, including epithelial lifting, vacuolization, necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration, showed a dose-dependent pattern of tissue damage. Haematological changes further indicated stress-related physiological responses. These findings demonstrate that P. sophore functions as a sensitive bioindicator for microplastic exposure and highlight a critical gap in current water quality monitoring frameworks, which fail to detect emerging micropollutants. The study underscores the urgent need to include microplastic indices in freshwater monitoring programs to safeguard aquatic biodiversity and public health.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Eco Toxicological Assessment of Micro Plastic Ingestion in Freshwater Fishes: A Case Study on Bioaccumulation and Histopathological Alterations
Researchers assessed microplastic accumulation in three freshwater fish species (tilapia, rohu, catla) from a major river system, finding microplastics in gastrointestinal tracts and associated histopathological damage in gills, liver, and kidneys.
Integrated biomarker responses and multivariate assessment of polyethylene microplastics toxicity in the endemic freshwater fish Tor putitora
Researchers exposed the endangered Himalayan mahseer fish (Tor putitora) to polyethylene microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations and assessed multiple biomarkers of toxicity. PE-MP exposure caused oxidative stress, immune disruption, and histological damage in gills, liver, and intestine, with an integrated biomarker index revealing dose-dependent toxicity in this ecologically important endemic species.
Microplastics induced histopathological lesions in some tissues of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) early juveniles
Researchers exposed young tilapia fish to different concentrations of microplastics for 15 days to study effects on their organs. The study found damage across multiple tissues including the kidney, liver, pancreas, gills, and muscles, with effects ranging from inflammation and cell death to structural deformation. These findings suggest that microplastic exposure can cause widespread organ damage in fish even at relatively low concentrations.
Influence of Polystyrene Microplastics on Mitochondrial Oxidative Damage in Renal and Muscular Tissues of the Freshwater Fish
Researchers exposed freshwater fish to environmentally relevant concentrations of polystyrene microplastics for up to 15 days and examined mitochondrial damage in kidney and muscle tissues. The exposure disrupted antioxidant defenses, increased oxidative stress, and altered metabolic enzyme activities in both tissue types. Histological examination revealed significant tissue damage including necrosis and degeneration, suggesting that microplastics can cause organ-level toxicity in fish through mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress responses of microplastic-contaminated Gambusia affinis obtained from the Brantas River in East Java, Indonesia
Researchers examined oxidative stress biomarkers in wild Gambusia fish collected from the Brantas River in Indonesia and correlated them with microplastic contamination levels. They found elevated antioxidant enzyme activity in the gills and digestive tracts of fish from more polluted sites, indicating biological stress responses to microplastic exposure. The study provides field-based evidence linking microplastic pollution in tropical rivers to measurable physiological harm in native fish species.