We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polystyrene nanoplastics enhance the toxicological effects of DDE in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae
Summary
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics enhanced the toxicity of the pesticide metabolite DDE in zebrafish larvae, with co-exposure causing greater developmental abnormalities and oxidative stress than either pollutant alone.
Anthropogenic releases of plastics, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and heavy metals can impact the environment, including aquatic ecosystems. Nanoplastics (NPs) have recently emerged as pervasive environmental pollutants that have the ability to adsorb POPs and can cause stress in organisms. Among POPs, DDT and its metabolites are ubiquitous environmental pollutants due to their long persistence. Despite the discontinued use of DDT in Europe, DDT and its metabolites (primarily p,p'-DDE) are still found at detectable levels in fish feed used in salmon aquaculture. Our study aimed to look at the individual and combined toxicity of NPs (50 mg/L polystyrene) and DDE (100 μg/L) using zebrafish larvae as a model. We found no significant morphological, cardiac, respiratory, or behavioural changes in zebrafish larvae exposed to NPs alone. Conversely, morphological, cardiac and respiratory alterations were observed in zebrafish larvae exposed to DDE and NPs + DDE. Interestingly, behavioural changes were only observed in zebrafish larvae exposed to NPs + DDE. These findings were supported by RNA-seq results, which showed that some cardiac, vascular, and immunogenic pathways were downregulated only in zebrafish larvae exposed to NPs + DDE. In summary, we found an enhanced toxicological impact of DDE when combined with NPs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and polybrominated diphenyl ethers to zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Researchers investigated the individual and combined toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and the flame retardant BDE-47 on zebrafish embryos. They found that co-exposure worsened developmental deformities including pericardial and yolk sac edema, and disrupted gene expression related to detoxification and antioxidant defense. The study suggests that nanoplastics can act as carriers for persistent organic pollutants, amplifying their harmful effects on aquatic organisms.
The role of nanoplastics on the toxicity of the herbicide phenmedipham, using Danio rerio embryos as model organisms
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics altered the toxicity of the herbicide phenmedipham to zebrafish embryos, with combined exposure producing different developmental effects than either contaminant alone, suggesting nanoplastics can modify pesticide bioavailability.
Adverse effects of polystyrene nanoplastic and its binary mixtures with nonylphenol on zebrafish nervous system: From oxidative stress to impaired neurotransmitter system
Researchers investigated the individual and combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and the industrial chemical nonylphenol on the zebrafish nervous system over 45 days. Both substances induced oxidative stress and disrupted neurotransmitter systems, with combined exposure generally producing more severe effects on glutamate metabolism and brain tissue damage. The study suggests that the interaction between nanoplastics and co-occurring environmental pollutants can amplify neurotoxic effects in fish.
Polystyrene nanoplastics aggravated ecotoxicological effects of polychlorinated biphenyls in on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene nanoplastics combined with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls, banned industrial chemicals that persist in the environment) and found that nanoplastics significantly worsened PCB toxicity — amplifying damage to bone and heart development and suppressing the genes that normally help detoxify harmful chemicals. The nanoplastics also accumulated in the liver, intestine, and gills of zebrafish rather than being excreted, raising serious concerns about the ecological risks of rising nanoplastic levels in aquatic environments.
Metabolic Consequences of Developmental Exposure to Polystyrene Nanoplastics, the Flame Retardant BDE-47 and Their Combination in Zebrafish
Researchers examined how developmental exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and the flame retardant BDE-47, alone and combined, affects zebrafish metabolism, finding that co-exposure produced distinct metabolic disruptions beyond those caused by either contaminant individually.