0
Article Tier 2 Detection Methods Food & Water Gut & Microbiome Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Biochemical, Genotoxic and Histological Implications of Polypropylene Microplastics on Freshwater Fish Oreochromis mossambicus: An Aquatic Eco-Toxicological Assessment

Toxics 2023 57 citations

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers fed polypropylene microplastics to freshwater tilapia and found they caused oxidative stress, DNA damage, and liver tissue deterioration, with more severe effects after 14 days compared to acute 96-hour exposure. The microplastics disrupted antioxidant enzyme systems and neurotransmitter activity in the fish. The study demonstrates that prolonged microplastic ingestion poses a significant ecological threat to freshwater fish species.

Polymers
Body Systems
Study Type Environmental

In recent years, polypropylene microplastic has persisted in freshwater ecosystems and biota, forming ever-growing threats. This research aimed to prepare polypropylene microplastics and evaluate their toxicity to the filter feeder Oreochromis mossambicus. In this research, fish were given a dietary supplement of polypropylene microplastics at 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for acute (96 h) and sub-acute (14 days) durations to assess toxic effects on liver tissues. FTIR results revealed the presence of polypropylene microplastic in their digestion matter. The ingestion of microplastics in O. mossambicus led to fluctuations in homeostasis, an upsurge in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, an alteration in antioxidant parameters, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); a promotion in the oxidation of lipid molecules; and a denaturation in the neurotransmitter enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Our data indicated that sustained exposure to microplastics (14 days) produced a more severe threat than acute exposure (96 h). In addition, higher apoptosis, DNA damage (genotoxicity), and histological changes were found in the liver tissues of the sub-acute (14 days) microplastics-treated groups. This research indicated that the constant ingestion of polypropylene microplastics is detrimental to freshwater environments and leads to ecological threats.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Deleterious Effects of Polypropylene Microplastic Ingestion in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers fed Nile tilapia daily doses of polypropylene microplastics for 30 days and observed significant health effects including changes in blood cell counts, altered gut bacteria, and tissue damage to the intestines and liver. The higher dose group showed more pronounced effects, including elevated inflammatory markers and signs of oxidative stress. The study provides evidence that chronic ingestion of microplastics commonly found in aquatic environments can cause meaningful harm to a widely consumed fish species.

Article Tier 2

Integrated Biomarker, Histopathological and Genotoxicity‐Based Toxicological Evaluation of Polystyrene and Polyethylene Microplastics in Oreochromis mossambicus

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers exposed Mozambique tilapia to polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics and found dose-dependent accumulation in gill, gut, and liver tissues. Polyethylene proved significantly more toxic, causing greater oxidative stress, metabolic disruption, and chromosomal damage as measured by micronucleus assays. The study provides evidence that different polymer types can have markedly different toxicological impacts on freshwater fish.

Article Tier 2

Growth performance, hematological and oxidative stress responses in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to polypropylene microplastics

AI summary Read the abstract

Nile tilapia fish fed polypropylene microplastics for 7 weeks showed significantly reduced growth, blood abnormalities indicating anemia, and oxidative stress damage in both liver and brain tissue. The effects were dose-dependent, with higher microplastic concentrations causing more severe harm. Since tilapia is one of the most widely farmed and consumed fish globally, these findings raise concerns about the health of both farmed fish and the people who eat them.

Article Tier 2

Antioxidants and molecular damage in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after exposure to microplastics

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers exposed juvenile Nile Tilapia to different concentrations of microplastics for 15 days followed by a recovery period. The study found dose-dependent increases in oxidative stress markers, DNA fragmentation, and altered protein patterns in fish exposed to microplastics. Evidence indicates that while fish exposed to the lowest concentration recovered after the treatment ended, higher doses caused more persistent damage.

Article Tier 2

Ingestion of Polyvinylchloride Powder Particles Induces Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Histopathological Changes in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia)—A Preliminary Study

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers found that oral exposure to PVC microplastic powder induced oxidative stress and liver histopathological changes in Nile tilapia, with altered water quality parameters and tissue damage indicating significant toxicological effects from ingested plastic particles.

Research digests by email

When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.

Email me about

Share this paper