We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Bioaccumulation of polystyrene microplastics and changes in antioxidant and AChE pattern in a freshwater snail (Filopaludina bengalensis) from river Ganga
Summary
Researchers exposed freshwater snails from the Ganga River to polystyrene microplastics and found that the particles accumulated in the snails' tissues over 27 days. The microplastics disrupted the snails' antioxidant defense systems and impaired nerve function, as measured by changes in key enzyme levels. The study highlights that bottom-dwelling organisms in freshwater ecosystems may be particularly vulnerable to microplastic pollution.
Microplastic pollution is a leading global problem affecting terrestrial and marine aquatic ecosystems. Due to the stagnant nature of microplastics, the toxic effect of microplastics is more pronounced to benthic organisms than the surface feeder. Hence, the present study effort was to study the microplastic bioaccumulation pattern and changes in the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant and AChE pattern of freshwater snail Filopaludina bengalensis, which were subjected to 0.5 ppm to 5 ppm levels of polystyrene microsphere (∼ 30 µm) for 27 days. The study showed that microplastics were easily accumulated in the test organism in a dose and time-dependent manner, amounting to 82 ± 6.02 particles /individuals at a 5 ppm dose on the 27th day. However, no mortality was observed at the test microplastic dosages. The enzymatic antioxidant profile (SOD and catalase) showed limited variability and remained stable with increased duration and microplastic dose. However, the nonenzymatic antioxidant profile showed distinct variability with the complete seizing of the DPPH activity on the 27th day at 5 ppm microplastic dose and a gradual decrease of ABTS and FRAP activity at all the dose ranges. Even the AChE activity decreased with higher exposure concentrations. The present study for the first time shows the direct impact of microplastics on a freshwater snail widely available in the Indian subcontinent, indicating the role of microplastic pollution will create havoc in the Ganga river eco-biosystem in the long run.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Dietary consumption of polypropylene microplastics alter the biochemical parameters and histological response in freshwater benthic mollusc Pomacea paludosa
Researchers exposed freshwater snails (Pomacea paludosa) to polypropylene microplastics through their diet at three concentrations over 28 days and measured biochemical and tissue-level responses. They found significant changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and histological damage in the digestive gland, with effects worsening at higher concentrations. The study suggests that dietary microplastic exposure can cause oxidative stress and organ damage in freshwater benthic organisms.
Assessment of oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, genotoxicity and prey-predator interactions in freshwater snails exposed to microplastics
This conference abstract investigates oxidative stress, nerve damage, DNA damage, and changes in predator-prey behavior in freshwater snails exposed to microplastics, pointing to a broad range of harmful biological effects. Understanding these impacts in aquatic invertebrates matters because they occupy important ecological roles and their exposure to microplastics can have cascading effects through food webs.
Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in market bivalves from South Korea
Researchers investigated the effects of polystyrene microplastics on the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna, a key species in aquatic food webs. They found that microplastic exposure impaired reproduction, reduced growth, and caused oxidative stress even at relatively low concentrations. The study highlights that these tiny plastic particles can harm small freshwater organisms that play a critical role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Bioaccumulation and biochemical impact of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics in Cipangopaludina chinensis: Tissue-specific analysis and homeostasis disruption
This study investigated how PET microplastics accumulate in the tissues of a freshwater snail species from the Songhua River in China. Researchers found that microplastics built up most heavily in kidney tissue and caused measurable disruptions to the animals' enzyme activity, energy metabolism, and internal balance. The findings highlight how microplastics can bioaccumulate in freshwater organisms and interfere with basic biological functions.
Toxicokinetics of microplastics in Macrobrachium nipponense and their impact on the bioavailability of loaded pollutants
Researchers studied the toxicokinetics of microplastics in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium nipponense, tracking uptake, distribution, and clearance across tissues and examining impacts on antioxidant defenses and immune function.