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Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and copper on intestinal tissue structure, biochemical indexes, and intestinal microflora of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
Summary
Researchers exposed Chinese mitten crabs to polystyrene nanoplastics and copper separately and in combination, finding that combined exposure caused greater oxidative stress and immune disruption than either alone, while also shifting gut bacteria composition in ways that may help the crab regulate the combined toxicity.
The combined toxic effects of nanoplastics (NPs) and heavy metals on aquatic organisms have attracted widespread attention. The mechanism of the effects of combined exposure to NPs and Cu2+ on crustaceans remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NPs and Cu2+ on the antioxidant capacity, immune response, and gut microbiota of Eriocheir sinensis. Both NPs and Cu2+ exposures disrupted the morphological integrity of the gut tissues of E. sinensis. Both combined exposures increased the levels of intestinal antioxidant indices (SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA) and hemolymphatic enzyme activity indices (TP, ALP, ALT, AST, CK, and LDH) compared to NPs and Cu2+ single exposure. The results of intestinal flora showed that NPs and Cu2+ exposure increased harmful bacteria. Combined exposure reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria and Vibrio compared to NPs and Cu2+ single exposure. This study indicates that E. sinensis may regulate the combined toxicity of NPs and Cu2+ through alterations in the intestinal microbiota, providing a potential reference for elucidating the mechanisms of joint toxicity of NPs and Cu2+ in aquatic species.