We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics induced endocrine disruption, alteration in testicular tissue in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) pre-fed on Amphora coffeaeformis
Summary
Researchers found that microplastic exposure caused hormonal disruption, reduced sperm quality, and damaged testicular tissue in male tilapia fish, but pre-feeding the fish with a microalgae feed supplement partially protected against these reproductive harms. The study suggests that dietary interventions may help mitigate microplastic toxicity in fish farmed for human consumption.
Abstract This study examines the potential defending effects of the diatom, Amphora coffeaeformis, as a feed additive against the deleterious effects (mainly on gonads) caused by microplastics (MPs) in the Nile tilapia, Oreochromes niloticus. Male tilapia groups were pre-fed diets with four different supplementation levels of A. coffeaeformis (0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) for 70 days, then were exposed to 10 mg/L MPs for 15 days. The results showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher numbers of erythrocytes, but significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the number of RBCs, Hb, Ht, platelets, and eosinophil percentages. Testicular histological degenerative changes and testis-ova were found in the MPs-exposed fish. Thus, A. coffeaeformis supplementation displayed ameliorative properties that detoxified the negative effects of MPs. This study provides a better understanding of the reproductive injuries caused by MPs and provides evidence for the use of A. coffeaeformis as a natural remedy in freshwater tilapia.