0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Investigations of hemato-biochemical and histopathological parameters, and growth performance of walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) exposed to PET and LDPE microplastics

Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 2023 20 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 55 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Kaniz Fatema, Tasnia Islam Auditi, Shema Biswas, Sumaiya Binte Ayesha, Md. Helal Uddin, Kizar Ahmed Sumon, Chayon Goswami, Ramji Kumar Bhandari, Harunur Rashid

Summary

Researchers exposed walking catfish to PET and LDPE microplastics for 60 days and observed significant changes in blood parameters, including decreased red blood cells and increased white blood cells. Tissue damage was found in the liver and gills, and fish growth was reduced compared to unexposed groups. The study suggests that bottom-dwelling fish species may be particularly vulnerable to microplastic contamination in their habitat.

Fish inhabiting various trophic levels are affected differently as the presence of microplastic (MP) in the water column and their ingestion by fish varies. Walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) inhabits the bottom of the water bodies. To understand the effects of MP, we exposed C. batrachus to two types of MP - polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) for 60 days. After exposure, hematological indices, mainly red blood cells and hemoglobin levels decreased, and white blood cells increased significantly compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A significant increase in the levels of blood urea and glucose was observed, and serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase and serum glutamyl oxaloacetic transaminase activity remained elevated (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination of the liver, kidney, intestine, and gills showed morphological alterations. Moreover, MP exposure caused growth retardation (p < 0.05) in C. batrachus. Widespread pollution of water bodies by MP may impose serious ecological risks to bottom-feeding fish in Bangladesh.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Comparative toxicity of virgin and biodegraded LLDPE microplastics on growth, behavior, antioxidant, and hematological health of Catla catla fish

Researchers compared the toxicity of virgin versus bacterially degraded polyethylene microplastics on freshwater fish, finding that both types caused abnormal behaviors and disrupted blood parameters in a dose-dependent manner. However, biodegraded microplastics produced less severe effects on growth, survival, and antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting that microbial degradation may reduce the ecological risk posed by microplastic pollution.

Clinical Trial Tier 1

Survival Rate and Growth Length of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Exposed to Microplastics

This study found that catfish exposed to microplastics showed reduced survival rates and slower growth compared to unexposed fish. The results are concerning because catfish is a widely farmed and consumed freshwater species, and microplastic contamination in aquaculture environments could affect both fish welfare and the quality of seafood reaching consumers.

Article Tier 2

Assessment of dietary polyvinylchloride, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate exposure in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Bioaccumulation, and effects on behaviour, growth, hematology and histology

Nile tilapia fish fed three common types of microplastics (PVC, polypropylene, and PET) showed reduced growth, abnormal behavior, blood cell damage, and tissue damage in their gills, liver, and intestines. The harmful effects increased with higher doses of microplastics and varied by plastic type. Since tilapia is one of the most widely consumed fish globally, these findings raise concerns about the health of fish that may carry microplastic contamination to human diets.

Clinical Trial Tier 1

Dumbo Catfish (clarias Gariepinus) Microplastic Exposure on Abnormalities and Level of Blood Component Using a Completely Randomized Design

This study exposed catfish to microplastics and found increased abnormalities and changes in blood components. The results show that microplastic contamination in water can directly harm aquatic organisms, raising concerns about the safety of fish consumed by humans from polluted waters.

Article Tier 2

Polystyrene microplastics exposure in freshwater fish, Labeo rohita: evaluation of physiology and histopathology

Researchers fed freshwater fish varying levels of polystyrene microplastics for 90 days and found dose-dependent damage to blood health, growth, and organ tissues. Higher microplastic concentrations caused more severe harm to the liver, kidneys, gills, and intestines. The study highlights that microplastics in freshwater systems can accumulate in fish and cause significant health problems, raising concerns about food safety for communities that rely on freshwater fish.

Share this paper