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Variations in the life-cycle parameters and population growth of rotifer Brachionus plicatilis under the stress of microplastics and 17β-estradiol
Summary
Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics of different sizes (50, 100, and 500 nm) and 17-beta-estradiol affect the life history and population growth of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, finding that only the smallest 50 nm particles caused dose-dependent reductions in lifespan, fecundity, and population growth rate. Combined exposure to microplastics and estradiol significantly impaired multiple reproductive parameters even when neither compound alone caused significant effects.
The toxic effects of microplastics (MPs) on biota are related to their particle size. In addition, MPs could adsorb ambient pollutants in water, which increase the threat of MPs to organisms. In this study, the effects of different particle sizes and concentrations of MPs on the life-cycle parameters and population growth of rotifer Brachionus plicatilis were investigated, and the combined effects of MPs and 17β-estradiol (E2) on rotifers were studied. Results showed small particle size (50 nm) MPs had negative effects on the lifespan, time to first batch of eggs, fecundity, and population growth rate of rotifers, which were dose-dependent, but large (100 nm and 500 nm) MPs were not. In addition, both life-cycle parameters and the population growth of rotifers were not affected by E2. However, the combination effects of different particle sizes of MPs and E2 on the lifespan, reproductive period, offspring per female, and population growth of rotifers were significant. Therefore, rotifers were more vulnerable to smaller particle MPs, and the coexistence of MPs and other environmental pollutants posed a serious threat to rotifers.