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Transgenerational adaptation to ocean acidification determines the susceptibility of filter-feeding rotifers to nanoplastics
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Researchers tested whether rotifers, tiny filter-feeding marine animals, that had adapted to ocean acidification over 180 generations became more or less vulnerable to nanoplastic exposure. They found that long-term adaptation to acidified water actually increased the rotifers' susceptibility to nanoplastic toxicity, affecting their reproduction and survival. The study suggests that as oceans become more acidic, marine organisms may become less resilient to additional stressors like plastic pollution.
The adaptation of marine organisms to the impending challenges presented by ocean acidification (OA) is essential for their future survival, and mechanisms underlying OA adaptation have been reported in several marine organisms. In the natural environment, however, marine organisms are often exposed to a combination of environmental stressors, and the interactions between adaptive responses have yet to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the susceptibility of filter-feeding rotifers to short-term (ST) and long-term (LT) (≥180 generations) high CO conditions coupled with nanoplastic (NPs) exposure (ST+ and LT+). Adaptation of rotifers to elevated CO caused differences in ingestion and accumulation of NPs, resulting in a significantly different mode of action on in vivo endpoints between the ST+ and LT+ groups. Moreover, microRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation was strongly correlated with the varied adaptive responses between the ST+ and LT+ groups, revealing novel regulatory targets and pathways. Our results indicate that pre-exposure history to increased CO levels is an important factor in the susceptibility of rotifers to NPs.
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This study examined how nanoplastics combined with ocean acidification affect tiny marine crustaceans called copepods across ten generations. Researchers found that the two stressors together caused synergistic harm to reproduction, with effects passed down to future generations through epigenetic changes in DNA. The findings suggest that climate change and plastic pollution may interact to create lasting, inherited damage in marine organisms.
The multigenerational effects of nanoplastic exposure on fitness and oxidative stress of Drosophila melanogaster
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Researchers assessed the multigenerational effects of nanoplastic exposure on the fitness and oxidative stress levels of a small aquatic crustacean across several generations. Negative effects on reproduction and oxidative balance accumulated across generations, suggesting that multigenerational exposure amplifies the harm from nanoplastics.
The multigenerational effects of nanoplastic exposure on fitness and oxidative stress of Drosophila melanogaster
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Researchers tracked the effects of nanoplastic exposure on fitness and oxidative stress markers across multiple generations of a small aquatic invertebrate. Reproductive success and antioxidant defenses deteriorated progressively across generations, suggesting that multigenerational exposure to nanoplastics causes cumulative ecological harm.
Nanoplastics induce more severe multigenerational life-history trait changes and metabolic responses in marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis: Comparison with microplastics
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Researchers compared the effects of nanoplastics versus microplastics on marine rotifers across multiple generations. They found that smaller nanoplastics (70 nm) caused significantly more severe harm to population growth, lifespan, and reproduction than larger particles, with negative effects persisting across generations. The study suggests that nanoplastics may pose a greater long-term threat to marine organisms than microplastics due to their ability to disrupt metabolism and nutrient accumulation.
Nanoplastics potentiate mercury toxicity in a marine copepod under multigenerational exposure
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Researchers exposed tiny marine crustaceans called copepods to nanoplastics and mercury over three generations. They found that nanoplastics significantly increased mercury accumulation in the animals, leading to lower survival and reduced reproduction compared to mercury exposure alone. The study suggests nanoplastics act as carriers that amplify the harmful effects of toxic metals in marine ecosystems.
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