We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Physiological responses of juvenile Ciona intestinalis type A (C. robusta) to microplastic shape and size: Pronounced effects of fibrous particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed juvenile sea squirts to three different shapes of microplastics and found that fibrous particles had the most pronounced negative effects on heart rate, squirting activity, and mucus secretion. The shape of microplastics proved to be a more important factor than size or chemical composition in determining biological impact. The findings highlight that fiber-shaped microplastics, which are among the most common forms in the ocean, may pose greater risks to marine organisms than spherical particles.
their biological interactions and toxicity in marine organisms. We exposed juvenile Ciona intestinalis type A to three MP shapes: aged fragments (afrPE-MP), fibers (fiPET-MP), and spheres (sPS-MP) for 168 h, with a size range of 2-200 μm and concentrations of 0.1-1.0 mg L. Natural inorganic particles (IOPs) served as a reference. We quantified heart rates, squirting activity, and mucus secretion in relation to particle characteristics. Fibrous MPs exerted a highly significant depressive effect on cardiac activity. Heart rate declined significantly with increasing particle size. Squirting activity increased significantly with size and strongly with concentration, consistent with a clearance or rejection response. Mucus secretion was significantly elevated under fibrous MP exposure and strongly influenced by concentration, whereas IOPs produced minimal effects. Together, these results indicate that particle size and shape are key drivers of sublethal stress, with fibers imposing the greatest physiological burden. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence in ascidians of concurrent MP-induced cardiac disruption heightened squirting, and increased mucus production, supporting C. intestinalis as a sensitive model for sublethal MP toxicity in marine filter feeders.
More Papers Like This
Comparative analysis of the toxicity of fragmented and fibrous microplastics versus natural particles in the sea squirt Ciona intestinalis type A (Ciona robusta)
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that when tiny sea creatures (sea squirts) were exposed to different types of microplastic pollution, irregularly shaped weathered plastic fragments and fibers were toxic, while perfectly round plastic beads and natural particles weren't—suggesting the shape and type of plastic matters more than just its presence. Since these filter-feeding animals are similar to shellfish we eat, this research is an early clue that the *kind* of microplastic pollution in our oceans (not just how much) could matter for marine food safety, though more research is needed to know what this means for human health specifically.
Inhalable microplastics of different shapes disrupt airway epithelial homeostasis: A comparative study of fibers and irregular particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared the lung effects of fiber-shaped versus irregularly shaped microplastics in mice and cell models. They found that fibrous microplastics caused more severe airway damage, inflammation, and disruption of the protective mucus barrier than irregular particles. The study suggests that the shape of inhaled microplastics matters significantly for how much harm they may cause to the respiratory system.
EngineeredPS and PAN Microplastic Fibers Elicit StrongerA549 Epithelial Responses than Spherical Polystyrene Particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested how lung cells react to tiny plastic fibers (like those shed from synthetic clothing) versus round plastic beads, and found that the fiber-shaped microplastics caused significantly more cell damage, stress, and inflammation than the round particles did. This suggests that the shape of the plastic bits we breathe in matters a lot for health risk, not just how much plastic is present, so future research and safety guidelines should pay closer attention to fiber-shaped microplastics specifically.
Accumulation of different shapes of microplastics initiates intestinal injury and gut microbiota dysbiosis in the gut of zebrafish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed zebrafish to three different shapes of microplastics and found that fibers and fragments accumulated more in the gut than beads, causing greater intestinal injury and disruption of gut bacteria. The shape of the microplastic particles significantly influenced both how much accumulated and the severity of the biological harm. The study suggests that microplastic shape is an important factor in assessing their environmental and health risks.
Metabolic responses of the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis after exposure to microplastics of different shapes and sizes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed Mediterranean mussels to microplastics of different shapes and sizes and found that round particles and small fibers accumulated the most in mussel tissues. These same particle types caused the most significant metabolic changes, altering amino acid processing and vitamin pathways. The findings suggest that the shape and size of microplastics play an important role in determining how much harm they cause to marine filter-feeding organisms.
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.