We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Combined effect of diazepam and polystyrene microplastics on the social behavior of medaka (Oryzias latipes)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and the pharmaceutical diazepam on medaka fish, finding that microplastics alone did not affect social behavior but co-exposure with high-dose diazepam amplified disruption of shoaling behavior.
The combined effect of microplastics and pharmaceuticals on aquatic organisms is an issue of concern. In this laboratory study, we evaluated the combined effect of polystyrene microplastics (2-μm diameter) and diazepam on the social behavior of medaka (Oryzias latipes) by using the shoaling behavior test with five treatment groups: solvent control, polystyrene microplastics exposure (0.04 mg/L), low-concentration diazepam exposure (0.03 mg/L), high-concentration diazepam exposure (0.3 mg/L), and polystyrene microplastics and low-concentration diazepam co-exposure. After 7 days of exposure, the shoal-leaving behavior of the high-concentration diazepam exposure group (8.9 ± 8.3 counts/medaka) and the co-exposure group (6.8 ± 6.7 counts/medaka) was significantly greater than that in the solvent control group (1.8 ± 2.6 counts/medaka). Even after 5 days of recovery, medaka in the co-exposure group left the shoal more often (7.3 ± 5.0 counts/medaka) than those in the solvent control group (2.6 ± 2.6 counts/medaka), whereas the shoal-leaving behavior in other exposure groups, except for the high-concentration diazepam exposure group, was restored. Our findings show that the combined effects of diazepam and polystyrene microplastics suppressed medaka social behavior, suggesting that the presence of microplastics can enhance the adverse effects of pollutants on the social behavior of aquatic organisms.
More Papers Like This
Effects of the Antidepressant Amitriptyline on Juvenile Brown Trout and Their Modulation by Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed juvenile brown trout to the antidepressant amitriptyline with and without polystyrene microplastics and found that microplastics modulated the pharmaceutical's effects on fish behavior and physiology, highlighting the complexity of combined pharmaceutical-plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
Alteration of shoaling behavior and dysbiosis in the gut of medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to 2-μm polystyrene microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists exposed small freshwater fish (medaka) to fine polystyrene microplastics and found that the fish stopped schooling together -- a key social behavior -- during the exposure period, though the behavior recovered after exposure ended. The microplastics also disrupted the fish's gut bacteria, reducing beneficial species that produce short-chain fatty acids known to influence brain function through the gut-brain connection. This suggests microplastics may alter animal behavior by disrupting the gut microbiome.
Toxicological Response of Zebrafish Exposed to Cocktails of Polymeric Materials and Valproic Acid
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to microplastics made of polyethylene and polypropylene, both alone and in combination with the pharmaceutical drug valproic acid. They observed changes in social behavior, swimming performance, and aggression levels, with certain mixtures producing effects worse than either substance alone. The study suggests that microplastics and pharmaceutical pollutants together in waterways could pose compounding behavioral risks to fish.
Neurobehavioral toxicity induced by combined exposure of micro/nanoplastics and triphenyltin in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)
AI summary Read the abstract
When marine medaka fish were exposed to both nanoplastics and the toxic chemical triphenyltin together, they showed much worse nerve and behavioral damage than from either pollutant alone. The combined exposure significantly reduced the fish's swimming ability and disrupted neural gene expression, with smaller nanoplastics causing more severe effects than larger microplastics. This highlights that real-world conditions, where microplastics coexist with other pollutants, may produce amplified toxic effects on the nervous system.
Interactive effects of polystyrene microplastics and roxithromycin on bioaccumulation and biochemical status in the freshwater fish red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and the antibiotic roxithromycin on red tilapia and found that microplastics enhanced the bioaccumulation of the drug in fish tissues. The co-exposure also produced greater biochemical disruption than either contaminant alone, suggesting microplastics may act as carriers that increase pharmaceutical uptake in freshwater fish.
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.