We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Trophic transfer of nanoplastics through a microalgae–crustacean–small yellow croaker food chain: Inhibition of digestive enzyme activity in fish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked how nanoplastics move through a marine food chain from microalgae to crustaceans to fish, demonstrating that plastic particles transfer upward through feeding relationships. The nanoplastics accumulated at each level and ultimately inhibited digestive enzyme activity in the fish. The study suggests that nanoplastics could eventually reach humans through seafood consumption via this same trophic transfer process.
This study investigated the effects of nanoplastics on marine organisms via trophic transfer in the food chain. We designed a three-step food chain comprising microalga (Dunaliella salina), small crustaceans (Artemia franciscana), and fish (small yellow croakers; Larimichthys polyactis) and evaluated the effects of trophic transfer in marine organisms, as well as verified the possibility of nanoplastic transfer to humans via trophic transfer. Using amine-modified nanopolystyrene (nPS-NH) as a pollutant, we conducted both direct-exposure and trophic transfer experiments to determine how pollutants move through the food chain (D. salina → A. franciscana). Exposure of D. salina to nPS-NH, which was adsorbed on its cell wall, resulted in transfer to A. franciscana with alteration of gut permeability. Additionally, assessment of the adverse effects of nPS-NH via a dietary pathway (three-step food chain) on the L. polyactis digestive system revealed that nanoplastics adsorbed to the cell wall of microalgae are gradually transferred to higher trophic level organisms, such as via food resources consumed by humans, inducing the inhibition of digestive enzyme activity (α-amylase). It indicates that human could eventually be exposed to nanoplastics and experience toxicity.
More Papers Like This
Sub-acute exposure to nanoplastics via two-chain trophic transfer: From brine shrimp Artemia franciscana to small yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the trophic transfer of nanoplastics from brine shrimp to small yellow croaker fish over an eight-day feeding experiment. The fish exposed to nanoplastics through their prey showed inhibited growth, severe liver damage, and impaired swimming ability. The study demonstrates that nanoplastics can accumulate through marine food chains and cause measurable harm to predator species.
Bioaccumulation, transfer, and impacts of microplastics in aquatic food chains
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked microplastics through an experimental aquatic food chain from algae to copepods to fish and found that the tiny particles transferred up each level, harming organisms at every step. Microplastics reduced algae growth, killed copepods, and changed fish behavior in ways that made them more vulnerable to predators. This demonstrates how microplastic pollution can cascade through entire ecosystems and potentially reach humans through seafood.
Trophic transfer and individual impact of nano-sized polystyrene in a four-species freshwater food chain
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers traced nano-sized polystyrene plastics through a four-species freshwater food chain — from algae to water fleas to two fish species — finding that nanoplastics transferred at each level and caused reduced activity, liver damage in fish, and penetration into fish embryos. The results highlight the broad ecological and health risks of nanoplastics moving up through aquatic food webs.
The transfer and resulting negative effects of nano- and micro-plastics through the aquatic trophic web—A discreet threat to human health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics move through aquatic food webs — from small organisms like plankton up through fish to humans — noting that while hundreds of species are known to ingest plastic particles, it remains difficult to distinguish particles eaten directly from those consumed indirectly through prey. The review highlights a critical gap in understanding how much plastic actually transfers between trophic levels and what that means for human health risks from seafood consumption.
Effect of alternative natural diet on microplastic ingestion, functional responses and trophic transfer in a tri-trophic coastal pelagic food web
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how microplastics move through a three-level marine food chain, from zooplankton prey to planktivorous fish, and how the availability of natural food affects microplastic ingestion. When natural food was scarce, organisms consumed more microplastics, and the particles transferred efficiently up the food chain. This study demonstrates that microplastics in the ocean can accumulate through the food web and reach fish species that humans commonly eat.
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.