We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Chronic effects of nano and microplastics on reproduction and development of marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus
Summary
Researchers studied the chronic effects of polystyrene nano- and microplastics on the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus over 30 days. The study found that nanoplastics were more lethal than microplastics, with different sizes affecting survival, development, and reproduction through distinct mechanisms, though oxidative stress was a common factor at high concentrations.
This study aimed to examine the impact of chronic (30 days) exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) of different sizes (50 nm and 2 µm) and at different concentrations (0.5 μg/L and 100 mg/L) to marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus. Polystyrene microplastics affected survival rates in size- and concentration-dependent manners. The LC50s values of 50 nm and 2 µm PS-MPs were 0.10 mg/L and 3.92 mg/L, respectively. The developmental time was delayed by 50 nm PS-MPs, and Usp expression was downregulated. Reproduction was negatively affected by 2 µm PS-MPs even at environmentally relevant concentrations; however, the expression of Vtg was not altered. The production rates of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide also increased after exposure to PS-MPs; but this effect was independent of particle size. The expression levels of Cat and Tnf, genes related to oxidative stress and inflammation, respectively, were upregulated by exposure to PS-MPs, independently of particle size. Meanwhile, the level of oxidative stress in T. japonicus was not significantly affected by PS-MPs at environmentally relevant concentrations. This study suggests that nano-sized PS-MPs are not always more toxic than micro-sized PS-MPs, and that oxidative stress is a key factor in determining the toxic effect on T. japonicus at high concentrations.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Size-Dependent Effects of Micro Polystyrene Particles in the Marine Copepod Tigriopus japonicus
Researchers tested three sizes of polystyrene microbeads on a marine copepod species and found that the smallest particles caused the most significant harm to survival, development, and reproduction. The copepods ingested all three sizes without showing any preference for food over plastic when algae were available. The study adds to growing evidence that nanoscale plastic particles may be more toxic than larger microplastics to small marine organisms critical to ocean food chains.
Evaluation of microplastic toxicity in accordance with different sizes and exposure times in the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus
Researchers exposed marine copepods to polystyrene microbeads of two different sizes to understand how particle size and exposure duration affect toxicity. They found that both nano-sized and micro-sized particles increased reactive oxygen species levels inside cells and altered antioxidant gene expression and enzyme activity. The study provides important molecular-level evidence that microplastic toxicity in marine organisms depends on both the size of the particles and how long organisms are exposed.
Effect of nanoplastics in the marine organism Tisbe battagliai
This study examined the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on the marine copepod Tisbe battagliai, assessing impacts on survival and reproduction. Marine copepods are a foundational food web species, and understanding how nanoplastics affect them has implications for ocean ecosystem health.
Nanoplastics pose a greater effect than microplastics in enhancing mercury toxicity to marine copepods
Researchers investigated whether nano- and microplastics can act as carriers of mercury, increasing its toxicity to marine copepods. The study found that polystyrene nano- and microplastics significantly increased mercury accumulation in the copepod Tigriopus japonicus, with nanoplastics posing a greater threat than microplastics due to their higher surface-area-to-volume ratio. Evidence indicates that nanoplastics enhanced mercury toxicity by disrupting genes related to development, energy metabolism, and stress defense.
Adverse effects of microplastics and oxidative stress-induced MAPK/Nrf2 pathway-mediated defense mechanisms in the marine copepod Paracyclopina nana
Researchers studied how nano- and micro-sized polystyrene particles affect a tiny marine crustacean called a copepod at the molecular level. They found that the smallest particles caused the most severe oxidative stress and triggered cellular defense pathways, with effects worsening at higher concentrations. The study suggests that microplastics can disrupt the internal chemistry of marine organisms even at sizes too small to see with the naked eye.