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The impact of microplastics and copper on sex ratio and oxidative stress: analysis in zebrafish intestine, gonad and brain
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to copper, polyethylene, and polystyrene microplastics individually and in combination, finding that copper caused high mortality, PE alone induced a feminization trend, and co-exposure amplified adverse effects on sex differentiation and antioxidant enzyme activity.
The increasing prevalence of emerging pollutants, such as microplastics and heavy metals, poses a major threat to aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the individual and combined effects of copper (Cu), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics on embryonic development and sexual differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio), as well as biochemical responses in target organs. Exposure trials revealed that copper, at environmentally relevant concentrations, caused high embryonic mortality, developmental delays, and altered heart rates. PE exposure alone induced sublethal effects, including a feminisation trend in sex differentiation. Co-exposure amplified these adverse outcomes, confirming a synergistic interaction. Histological analyses revealed disruptions in sexual differentiation, while biochemical assays demonstrated organ-specific responses. The brain appeared highly vulnerable to copper neurotoxicity, the gonads showed limited antioxidant adaptation, and the intestine displayed subtle but significant changes. These findings highlight the ecological relevance of multi-contaminant exposure scenarios and reinforce zebrafish as a powerful model for toxicological studies. Overall, the interaction between microplastics and heavy metals may compromise reproductive success and population sustainability in aquatic organisms.
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Long-term effects of individual and combined exposure to microplastics and copper in zebrafish hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis – A multi-biomarker evaluation
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This study exposed zebrafish to microplastics, copper, and both combined for 30 days and examined effects on their reproductive system. The combination of microplastics and copper caused greater hormonal disruption and oxidative stress than either pollutant alone, affecting genes that control reproduction in both male and female fish. These findings suggest that microplastics interacting with metal pollution in waterways could compound reproductive harm in aquatic organisms and potentially in humans who consume contaminated fish.
Single and combined acute and subchronic toxic effects of microplastics and copper in zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos and larvae to microplastics, copper, and their combinations to assess individual and combined toxic effects. They found that microplastics alone caused limited harm, but when combined with copper, the mixture produced altered biochemical responses and changes in gene expression. The study suggests that microplastics can modify the toxicity of heavy metals in aquatic organisms during early development.
Toxicological effects induced on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) after an acute exposure to microplastics alone or co-exposed with copper
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Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to microplastics alone and combined with copper to assess their joint toxicity during early development. They found that copper, both alone and combined with microplastics, reduced survival, increased oxidative stress, inhibited a key nervous system enzyme, and disrupted avoidance and social behaviors. The study suggests that microplastics may modulate copper toxicity in some biological endpoints, highlighting the importance of studying combined pollutant exposures during vulnerable developmental stages.
Combined effects of microplastics and copper on oxidative responses in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio) to microplastics (10 µg/L) and copper (45 µg/L) individually and in combination, finding that fish exposed to both stressors simultaneously exhibited higher oxidative stress across multiple body organs than those exposed to either contaminant alone.
Impact and Molecular Mechanism of Microplastics on Zebrafish in the Presence and Absence of Copper Nanoparticles
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Polystyrene microplastics of three sizes combined with copper nanoparticles caused additive or synergistic toxicity in zebrafish, disrupting oxidative stress responses, gene expression, and early development, with 0.07-micrometer particles producing the most severe effects.
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