We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Morphological Alterations in the Early Developmental Stages of Zebrafish (Danio rerio; Hamilton 1822) Induced by Exposure to Polystyrene Microparticles
Summary
Researchers exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae to three environmentally relevant concentrations of 100-micrometer polystyrene microplastics, finding no mortality but dose-dependent morphological alterations including pigmentation deficiency and head region abnormalities, with the integrated biomarker response index sensitive to all three concentrations tested.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of widespread concern in aquatic environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the negative impact of pristine MPs of polystyrene of 100 μm on embryo and larvae of Danio rerio exposed to three environmentally relevant concentrations of polystyrene (3.84 × 10, 3.84 × 10, and 3.84 × 10 g/mL). The exposure effect was evaluated through the general morphology score, biometrics, and integrated biomarker response version 2 index. No mortality was observed but the anatomical structure of fishes was affected showing pigmentation deficiency and alterations in the head region as the main affected endpoints. The general morphology score and the integrated biomarker response values were highly sensitive to address the effect of the three concentrations of MPs used here. Our results provide solid evidence of the negative impact of 100 μm pristine polystyrene MPs exposure on early stages of zebrafish.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Embryotoxicity of polystyrene microplastics in zebrafish Danio rerio
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene microplastics during early development and observed serious physical deformities, particularly in the spine, tail, and eyes, despite no increase in mortality. The exposed larvae also showed elevated expression of genes involved in oxidative stress defense and cellular detoxification. The findings suggest that microplastics can disrupt critical developmental stages in freshwater fish even when they do not directly cause death.
Evaluation of phenotypic and behavioral toxicity of micro- and nano-plastic polystyrene particles in larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio )
Researchers exposed larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) to six sizes (0.05–10.2 µm) and multiple concentrations of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics and assessed toxicity using embryo and behavioral assays. Smaller particles and higher concentrations caused greater phenotypic and behavioral toxicity, with particle uptake and organ distribution confirmed, establishing size as a key determinant of polystyrene MP toxicity in a vertebrate developmental model.
Evaluation of phenotypic and behavioral toxicity of micro- and nano-plastic polystyrene particles in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene particles ranging from 50 nanometers to 10 micrometers and found that nearly all sizes caused physical abnormalities and changes in swimming behavior. Smaller particles were taken up more readily and distributed to organs including the brain and gut. These findings are relevant to human health because zebrafish share many biological pathways with humans, and the results suggest that both micro- and nano-sized plastics can cause developmental harm.
Morphometric effects of various weathered and virgin/pure microplastics on sac fry zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Researchers exposed sac fry zebrafish (Danio rerio) to weathered and virgin microplastics of various polymer types and found significant morphometric developmental effects, with weathered plastics generally causing greater biological harm than virgin counterparts due to differences in surface chemistry and plasticizer content.
Exposure to microplastics decreases swimming competence in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos and larvae to polystyrene microplastics and found that the particles adhered to egg surfaces before being ingested into the stomach and intestines after hatching. At higher concentrations, exposed larvae showed significantly reduced swimming distance and speed, along with upregulated genes related to inflammation and oxidative stress. The study suggests that microplastic exposure can impair swimming ability in larval fish, which could have broader ecological consequences for population fitness.