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Subtle reproductive toxicity of microplastics in Pelteobagrus fulvidraco: Evidence from chronic exposure during gonadal development
Summary
Researchers chronically exposed yellow catfish from hatching through gonadal development to PE and PP microplastics and found marked histopathological damage to testicular tissue — especially from PE — without significant effects on survival or sex ratio, suggesting subtle reproductive toxicity that standard acute tests would miss.
Microplastic (MPs) pollution poses a growing ecological threat, yet its sex-specific reproductive effects during gonadal development remain poorly understood. In this study, yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) at 10 and 90 days post-hatching were chronically exposed to polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) MPs (0.1 and 1.0 mg/L) for 18 and 9 weeks, respectively. No significant effects on survival, sex ratio, body weight, or gonadosomatic index (GSI) were observed, except increased mortality in the 1.0 mg/L PE group. MPs accumulated predominantly in the gills and intestines, with minimal presence in gonads. Testicular tissues showed marked histopathological damage, especially in PE groups. A nonmonotonic dose-response was noted in gonadal development and reproductive gene expression, indicating potential endocrine disruption. No significant effects were observed under short-term exposure. This study highlights sex-specific and stage-dependent reproductive sensitivity to MPs, with males appearing more vulnerable to chronic exposure. Findings offer insights into MPs-related reproductive risks in fish and implications for aquaculture management.