We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Combined toxicity of polystyrene microplastics and ammonium perfluorooctanoate to Daphnia magna: Mediation of intestinal blockage
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated the combined toxicity of polystyrene microplastics and a perfluorinated compound (ammonium perfluorooctanoate) to Daphnia magna using multiple toxicity assessment methods. They found that the interaction between microplastics and the fluorinated chemical produced antagonistic effects at some concentrations and synergistic effects at others, mediated partly by intestinal blockage from the plastic particles. The study reveals that microplastics can alter the bioavailability and toxicity of co-occurring fluorinated contaminants through physical mechanisms in the gut.
Microplastics (MPs) have worldwide accumulated in aquatic environments and coexisted with various water contaminants including perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) that are frequently detected. The adverse effects of individual MPs or PFCs on aquatic organisms have been extensively reported; however, the combined toxicity of MPs and PFCs remains unknown. This study evaluated the combined toxicity of MPs [pristine and aged polystyrene (PS)] and a PFC [ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO)] to Daphnia magna under different concentration ratios by three classic methods: toxicity unit, additive index, and mixed toxicity index. The adsorption kinetics of APFO on MPs, aggregation of MPs in exposure medium, MP gut fullness of daphnids, intestinal histology, and lipid peroxidation were analyzed to reveal the mechanism underlying the combined toxicity. Our results showed that the combined toxic modes varied with the concentration ratios of MPs to APFO (antagonism at 4:1 and 1:4, synergism at 3:1, 1:2, and 1:3, and partial addition/antagonism at 2:1 and 1:1 for pristine PS + APFO; antagonism at all ratios except partial addition/antagonism at 3:1 and 1:3 for aged PS + APFO), which could be attributed to the alteration of MP aggregation and thus MP gut fullness in the daphnids. The combined toxicity was further confirmed to occur in the daphnid's gut, which was reflected in physiological and biochemical responses mediated by intestinal blockage. Observable intestinal damages under co-exposures at μg•L levels indicated the risks from future long-term exposure to MPs and PFCs in aquatic environments. This work demonstrates the necessity of assessing combined toxicity with different concentration ratios and provides new insights into the potential risks of MPs in aquatic environments.
More Papers Like This
Combined toxicity of perfluoroalkyl substances and microplastics on the sentinel species Daphnia magna: Implications for freshwater ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
This study tested how PFAS chemicals (common industrial pollutants) and PET microplastics affect water fleas, both alone and together. The combination caused worse developmental and reproductive problems than either pollutant alone, and organisms with prior chemical exposure history responded differently, showing that microplastics can amplify the harm of other environmental contaminants in ways that are difficult to predict.
Interaction and combined toxicity of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in aquatic environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics interact with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aquatic environments and the combined toxic effects on organisms. Researchers found that microplastics can adsorb PFAS chemicals and transport them through water systems, potentially increasing exposure for aquatic life. The study highlights that the combination of these two widespread pollutant types may pose greater ecological risks than either one alone.
Toxicological effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and perfluorooctanoic acid to Gambusia affinis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that co-exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) produced interactive toxicological effects in mosquitofish, with nanoplastics altering PFOA bioaccumulation and causing liver damage and oxidative stress.
Interactive effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonates on the histomorphology, oxidative stress and gut microbiota in Hainan Medaka (Oryzias curvinotus)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed a freshwater fish species to nanoplastics and a fluorinated chemical pollutant, both alone and in combination, and found that the mixture caused more severe tissue damage than either substance alone. The combined exposure harmed gills, liver, and intestines while disrupting antioxidant systems and gut bacteria. The study suggests nanoplastics can worsen the effects of industrial chemicals on aquatic life.
Interactions of microplastics and organic compounds in aquatic environments: A case study of augmented joint toxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polystyrene microplastics interact with the antimicrobial compound triclosan in simulated environmental and cellular conditions. They found that surface-functionalized microplastics adsorbed significantly more triclosan and released it under cellular conditions, with the combination producing greater toxicity to human intestinal cells than either contaminant alone. The study suggests that microplastics can amplify the harmful effects of co-occurring organic 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.