We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Impacts of nanoplastics on life-history traits of marine rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis) are recovered after being transferred to clean seawater
Summary
Marine rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) were exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics across two generations and then transferred to clean seawater, with results showing that life-history impairments including reduced reproduction recovered after removal of plastic exposure. The finding suggests that nanoplastic effects on zooplankton are reversible upon return to clean conditions, though generational exposure still caused measurable harm.
With the continuous accumulation of nanoplastics (NPs) in the ocean, it becomes urgent to explore their potential effects on filter-feeding zooplankton. This study exposed marine rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis) to 0, 20, 200, and 2000 μg/L of 70-nm polystyrene NPs (PS NPs) for two generations (F0 - F1), followed by two-generation (F2 - F3) culture in clean seawater, to investigate the impacts on life-history traits. The results showed that NPs were ingested by the rotifers within 10 min and reached a maximum level after 12 h of exposure. NPs were also observed in the feces of F0 and F1 generation rotifers and on the surface of F1 generation eggs. The intake of NPs inhibited microalgae ingestion, decreased body volume, delayed the first spawning time, reduced the total number of eggs and offspring of F0 and F1 generation. Moreover, 2000 μg/L NPs postponed the first hatching time of F0 generation eggs by 2.5 h, and the hatching time of F1 generation eggs was delayed by 7.3 h and 6.8 h under 200 and 2000 μg/L NPs exposure. The first spawning time and the first hatching time of rotifers were still significantly prolonged in the F2 generation, but other life-history traits returned to normal. After being cultured in clean seawater for two generations, all these indicators were recovered to the normal level. Overall, this study demonstrates that the life-history traits of marine rotifers could be flexibly changed with/without PS NPs exposure.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Effect of microplastics on the demography of Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas (Rotifera) over successive generations
Researchers examined how microplastic exposure affects the population dynamics of a freshwater rotifer species across two successive generations. They found that microplastics reduced reproduction rates and lifespan, with effects carrying over into the second generation even when exposure was removed. The study suggests that microplastic pollution may have lasting population-level consequences for small aquatic organisms.
Effects of microplastics on reproductive characteristics and mechanisms of the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis
Researchers exposed marine rotifers (tiny animals at the base of the ocean food chain) to naturally aged microplastics collected from Japanese coastal waters and found reduced reproduction and population growth. The microplastics triggered oxidative stress and suppressed genes involved in reproduction. Since rotifers are food for many fish species, harm to their populations could ripple up through the food chain.
Nanoplastics induce more severe multigenerational life-history trait changes and metabolic responses in marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis: Comparison with microplastics
Researchers compared the effects of nanoplastics versus microplastics on marine rotifers across multiple generations. They found that smaller nanoplastics (70 nm) caused significantly more severe harm to population growth, lifespan, and reproduction than larger particles, with negative effects persisting across generations. The study suggests that nanoplastics may pose a greater long-term threat to marine organisms than microplastics due to their ability to disrupt metabolism and nutrient accumulation.
Metabolism deficiency and oxidative stress induced by plastic particles in the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis: Common and distinct phenotypic and transcriptomic responses to nano- and microplastics
Researchers found that nanoplastics caused stronger reproductive and population growth inhibition in the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis than microplastics, with transcriptomic analysis revealing distinct size-dependent toxicity pathways involving metabolism deficiency and oxidative stress.
Effects of nanoplastics exposure on ingestion, life history traits, and dimethyl sulfide production in rotifer Brachionus plicatilis
Researchers exposed tiny marine organisms called rotifers to polystyrene nanoplastics and found that the particles accumulated in their digestive tracts, shortened their lifespans, and reduced their ability to reproduce. Higher concentrations also decreased the production of dimethyl sulfide, a compound important for cloud formation and climate regulation. This study shows that nanoplastic pollution can affect marine organisms at the base of the food chain, with potential ripple effects on both ecosystems and the climate.