We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Toxicological assessment of nanoparticles and microplastics
Summary
This review examines the toxicological effects of nanoparticles and microplastics on aquatic organisms, summarizing mechanisms of harm including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, DNA damage, tissue injury, and neurological disruption in fish. It highlights that secondary nanoplastics formed from macro- and microplastic degradation are more heterogeneous than primary particles, and that combined exposure with chemical pollutants amplifies toxicity, including the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier in fish.
According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), microplastics are small plastic particles of less than 0.2 inches (5 millimeters) long and considered as sesame seeds. The microplastics (MPs) reach the rivers, lakes, and oceans after being flushed into sewers. Nanoparticles (NPs) are colloidal particles within the size range of 1 to 100 nanometers (nm). Secondary NPs occurred naturally by the degradation of macro and microplastic waste materials and are more heterogenous than primary NPs. The damaged biomolecules lead to the occurrence of numerous reactions including inflammatory response, cell death, tissue damage, and DNA damage. Free radical generation (non-enzymatic antioxidants) and antioxidant defenses helps to balance the excess ROS and repair the damaged cells to reduce oxidative stress. NPs and MPs eventually move to the aquatic environment followed by the entrance of NPs and MPs into the bodies of aquatic animals to cause harmful effects. NPs may also dramatically increase the CAT and SOD activities. MPs and NPs are very harmful to the organisms however combined with other chemical components. These components are cause serious harmful to the fish and damage the nervous system of fish. NPs and MPs can also cross the blood brain barriers in the brains of fish.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Toxicological Research on Nano and Microplastics in Environmental Pollution: Current Advances and Future Directions
This review summarizes existing research on how nano- and microplastics from our massive global plastic production enter aquatic environments, absorb harmful chemicals, and move through food chains into living organisms. Studies show these particles can cause brain damage, disrupt metabolism, trigger inflammation, and produce harmful oxidative stress in aquatic species, with microplastics even detected in commercial fish that people eat.
Overview of the ecotoxicological impacts of micro and nanoplastics in aquatic environments
This review summarises the ecotoxicological impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on marine and freshwater ecosystems, covering mechanisms including physical damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, reproductive impairment, and metabolic disruption in aquatic species. It also discusses bioaccumulation and trophic transfer dynamics.
Biotransport and toxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics in fish model and their potential risk to humans: A review
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics enter fish through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, causing damage to multiple organ systems including the brain, heart, and reproductive organs. The particles trigger harmful cellular responses such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The study emphasizes that these pollutants can also reach humans through the food chain, highlighting the need for strategies to reduce plastic contamination in aquatic environments.
The Potential for Toxicity to Fishes from Micro- and Nanoplastics, and Their Additives
This review examines the potential toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics and their chemical additives to freshwater and marine fish species. Evidence indicates that exposure to these particles may cause physical harm, oxidative stress, and disruption of normal biological functions in fish, with the diverse range of plastic sizes, shapes, polymer types, and associated chemicals making comprehensive risk assessment particularly challenging.
Neurophysiological and Behavioral Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Aquatic Organisms
Researchers reviewed evidence that micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic environments cross the blood-brain barrier, accumulate in neural tissues, and cause oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and disrupted neurotransmitter signaling, with downstream effects on locomotion, feeding, predator avoidance, and social behavior across multiple aquatic species.