We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Polystyrene Microplastics Increases Hexavalent Chromium Toxicity in Aquatic Animals
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that environmentally relevant concentrations of polystyrene microplastics significantly increased the toxicity of hexavalent chromium across multiple aquatic species, acting as vectors that amplify heavy metal harm.
The prevalence of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and microplastics (MPs) is ubiquitous and is considered a threat to aquatic biota. MPs can act as a vector for waterborne metals; however, the combined effects of Cr(VI) and MPs on aquatic organisms are largely unknown. In this study, aquatic model animals, such as rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus and B. plicatilis), water fleas (Daphnia magna), amphipods (Hyalella azteca), polychaetes (Perinereis aibuhitensis), and zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to environmental concentrations (1, 10, and 100 particles L-1) of 1 μm polystyrene MPs alone, Cr(VI) alone, or Cr(VI) combined with MPs. Following exposure, the potential effects were measured by analyzing basic life endpoints (e.g., survival rate and growth). A significant response to MPs alone was not observed in all animals. However, MPs combined with Cr(VI) concentration-dependently increased Cr(VI) toxicity in two rotifer species. The survival rate of water fleas was significantly reduced upon exposure to Cr(VI) + MPs (100 particles L-1) compared with exposure to Cr(VI) alone, and significantly decreased the number of offspring. Although there was no significant effect on the body length of the amphipod, concentration-dependent decreases in their survival rates were observed. In contrast, no significant change was found in the survival rate of polychaetes; however, their burrowing ability was inhibited by Cr(VI) + MPs (100 particles L-1). Further, larval mortality was increased in response to Cr(VI) + MPs (100 particles L-1) in zebrafish. Taken together, the findings suggest that MPs can exacerbate Cr(VI) toxicity, even at environmental levels.
More Papers Like This
Polystyrene microplastics reduce Cr(VI) and decrease its aquatic toxicity under simulated sunlight
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered that polystyrene microplastics can reduce toxic Cr(VI) to less harmful Cr(III) under simulated sunlight, decreasing chromium's aquatic toxicity and revealing an unexpected role of microplastics in contaminant transformation.
Polystyrene microplastics modulation of hexavalent chromium toxicity in quails: transcriptomic and toxicological insights
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed quails to both polystyrene microplastics and hexavalent chromium — a cancer-causing heavy metal — for 12 weeks, finding that microplastics worsened the kidney damage caused by chromium by disrupting fat metabolism and energy production. The combination triggered severe kidney scarring (fibrosis) that neither pollutant caused as strongly on its own, illustrating how microplastics can amplify the toxicity of other environmental contaminants.
Polystyrene microplastics increase Pb bioaccumulation and health damage in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics significantly increased the accumulation of lead in the tissues of Chinese mitten crabs when both pollutants were present together. The combined exposure caused more severe oxidative stress, disrupted fat metabolism, and increased liver damage compared to lead exposure alone. The study suggests that microplastics can act as carriers for heavy metals in aquatic environments, amplifying their toxic effects on commercially important seafood species.
Individual and Combined Toxicity of Polystyrene Microplastics and Chromium in Artemia franciscana: Impacts on Survival, Growth, Biochemical and Physiological Responses
AI summary Read the abstract
A 21-day exposure study found that polystyrene microplastics and chromium individually and synergistically impaired survival, growth, protein levels, and antioxidant defenses in the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana, with combined toxicity exceeding either contaminant alone. This demonstrates that microplastics act as carriers and amplifiers of heavy metal toxicity in aquatic organisms, raising concerns about real-world ecosystems where both pollutants co-occur.
Aged Polystyrene Microplastics Accelerate the Photo-Reduction of Chromium(VI)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how aged polystyrene microplastics interact with hexavalent chromium, a toxic heavy metal, in water under light conditions. They found that microplastics accelerate the conversion of toxic chromium(VI) to less harmful chromium(III), while the chromium in turn speeds up the aging of the microplastics. The study reveals a complex interplay between microplastics and heavy metals in aquatic environments that could influence the environmental fate of both pollutants.
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.