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Increased transfer of trace metals and Vibrio sp. from biodegradable microplastics to catfish Clarias gariepinus
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Researchers compared the transfer of trace metals and Vibrio bacteria from conventional and biodegradable microplastics to catfish. They found that biodegradable microplastics actually transferred more metals and pathogens to the fish than conventional plastics. The study suggests that biodegradable alternatives may not be safer for aquatic organisms and could potentially increase contaminant exposure through ingestion.
Microplastic ingestion has been documented in various aquatic species. This causes physical damage, and additionally contaminated microplastics transfer attached pollutants and microbial pathogens to ingesting organisms. Continued metal accumulation can lead to toxicity and adverse health effects; attached microbial pathogens can cause dysbiosis - which lowers host immunity and promotes infections. Catfish, Clarias gariepinus, are a major food source in Southeast Asia, a hotspot of plastic pollution. This study aimed to quantify the transfer of the trace metals copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) -at environmentally relevant concentrations-from microplastics (polyamide 12, PA12, and polylactic acid, PLA) to catfish. Fish were reared for three months and exposed to seven different combinations of feed, supplemented with plastics and metals. At monthly intervals, fish gills, intestines, liver, and edible muscles were analysed for Cu and Pb concentrations using ICP-OES, and the intestines content assessed for Vibrio sp.. Our results showed that biodegradable PLA transferred higher amounts of metals to catfish than expected and also led to increased Vibrio counts in the intestines compared to PA12. Trace metal accumulation was significantly different in varying tissues, with highest concentrations observed in the gills, followed by liver, intestines, and lastly edible muscles. The results of this study further support the existing evidence that microplastics act as efficient shuttles to concentrate and transfer metals. They also indicate that their uptake can cause dysbiosis (increased numbers of Vibrio sp.). Most importantly, however, our study highlights that biodegradable polymers, such as PLA, could actually pose a greater environmental threat when ingested compared to the more common polymers such as PA12.
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Researchers compared the toxicity of virgin versus bacterially degraded polyethylene microplastics on freshwater fish, finding that both types caused abnormal behaviors and disrupted blood parameters in a dose-dependent manner. However, biodegraded microplastics produced less severe effects on growth, survival, and antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting that microbial degradation may reduce the ecological risk posed by microplastic pollution.
Toxicity comparison of polylactic acid and polyethylene microplastics co-exposed with methylmercury on Daphnia magna
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Researchers compared the toxicity of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics with conventional polyethylene microplastics, both alone and in combination with methylmercury, on water fleas. The biodegradable microplastics caused greater harm, significantly reducing survival and reproduction while also increasing mercury accumulation in the organisms. The findings challenge the assumption that biodegradable plastics are always safer for the environment, suggesting they may actually enhance the toxicity of co-occurring pollutants.
Differential biochemical responses of Cyprinus carpio after dietary and waterborne exposure to microplastics from polyethylene-based biodegradable and conventional bags
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Researchers compared the toxic effects of microplastics from biodegradable and conventional polyethylene bags on common carp through both dietary and waterborne exposure. They found that the toxicity ranking differed depending on the exposure route, and that biodegradable plastic microplastics showed significant differences from conventional plastics, particularly in liver nitric oxide levels. The study emphasizes that both the chemical composition of microplastics and how organisms encounter them influence the resulting biological harm.
Impacts of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on juvenile Lates calcarifer: Bioaccumulation, antioxidant response, microbiome, and proteome alteration
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Researchers found that both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics from plastic bags caused bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, microbiome disruption, and proteome alterations in juvenile barramundi, indicating that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safer for marine organisms.
Survival Rate and Growth Length of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Exposed to Microplastics
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This study found that catfish exposed to microplastics showed reduced survival rates and slower growth compared to unexposed fish. The results are concerning because catfish is a widely farmed and consumed freshwater species, and microplastic contamination in aquaculture environments could affect both fish welfare and the quality of seafood reaching consumers.
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