We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Additive effects of microplastics on accumulation and toxicity of cadmium in male zebrafish
Summary
Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics and cadmium, both individually and in combination, for 21 days. They found that microplastics and cadmium together produced additive toxic effects, increasing cadmium accumulation in fish tissues, altering behavior, and causing more severe organ damage. The study suggests that microplastics in contaminated waterways may worsen the harmful effects of heavy metals on aquatic life.
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as contaminants of concern because of their ubiquitous presence in almost all aquatic environments. The ecological effects of MPs are complex and depend on multiple factors including their age, size and the ecological matrix. There is an urgent need for multifactorial studies to elucidate their impacts. We measured the effects of virgin and naturally aged MPs, alone, pretreated with cadmium (Cd), or in combination with ionic Cd, on the bioaccumulation of Cd, metallothionein expression, behavior, and histopathology of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were exposed to virgin or aged polyethylene MPs (0.1% MPs enriched diets, w/w) or waterborne Cd (50 μg/L) or a combination of the two for 21 days. There was an additive interaction between water-borne Cd and MPs on bioaccumulation in males but not in females. Cd accumulation increased by twofold when water-borne Cd and MPs were combined. Water-borne Cd induced significantly higher levels of metallothionein compared to MPs pre-exposed to Cd. However, Cd-treated MPs caused greater damage to the intestine and liver compared to untreated MPs suggesting that bound Cd could be released or modulate MPs toxicity. We also showed that co-exposure to water-borne Cd and MPs increased anxiety in the zebrafish, compared with water-borne Cd alone, suggesting using microplastics as a vector may increase toxicity. This study demonstrates that MPs can enhance the toxicity of Cd, but further study is needed to elucidate the mechanism.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Influence of microplastics on the accumulation and chronic toxic effects of cadmium in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Researchers exposed zebrafish to polystyrene microplastics combined with cadmium for three weeks and found that the presence of microplastics significantly increased cadmium accumulation in the liver, gut, and gills. The combined exposure caused greater oxidative damage, tissue inflammation, and disruption of protective gene activity than either pollutant alone. The study demonstrates that microplastics can enhance the toxicity of heavy metals in fish by acting as carriers that increase the body's uptake of harmful substances.
Microplastics have additive effects on cadmium accumulation and toxicity in Rice flower carp (Procypris merus)
When a Chinese freshwater fish species was exposed to both microplastics and cadmium together, the microplastics increased cadmium buildup in the liver and gills and worsened tissue damage compared to either pollutant alone. The combined exposure caused greater oxidative stress and disrupted immune and metabolic pathways. This is important because microplastics and heavy metals often coexist in polluted waterways, and their combined effect on fish could affect the safety of freshwater fish that people eat.
Comparison of the combined toxicity of polystyrene microplastics and different concentrations of cadmium in zebrafish
Researchers studied the combined toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics and cadmium at different concentrations in zebrafish over a 10-day exposure period. The study found that microplastics could either amplify or reduce cadmium toxicity depending on the metal concentration, affecting survival, growth, and antioxidant responses in complex ways.
Combined toxicity of microplastics and cadmium on the zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio)
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene microplastics combined with cadmium to assess their combined toxic effects on aquatic organisms. The study found that co-exposure produced greater negative impacts on survival and heart rate than either pollutant alone, with toxicity increasing in a concentration-dependent manner.
Combined effects of polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene microplastics with cadmium on the intestine of zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations
Researchers exposed zebrafish to PVC or polypropylene microplastics combined with cadmium, a toxic heavy metal often used in plastic manufacturing. The microplastics increased cadmium buildup in the fish intestines and worsened gut damage, including inflammation and disruption of the intestinal barrier. This is relevant to human health because people can be exposed to similar combinations of microplastics and heavy metals through contaminated seafood.