We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Dynamic Accumulation and Bio-Mediated Fragmentation of Microplastics in the Digestive System of Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used red swamp crayfish as a model organism to study how microplastics accumulate, distribute, fragment, and are excreted within the digestive system under controlled conditions. MPs accumulated primarily in the hepatopancreas and stomach, with biologically mediated fragmentation into smaller particles occurring during digestion.
The dynamic behavior and biologically mediated transformation of microplastics (MPs) in crustaceans remain insufficiently explored in aquatic ecotoxicology. In this study, we employed the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) as a model organism to systematically investigate the accumulation, distribution, fragmentation, and excretion kinetics of MPs within its digestive system under controlled conditions. We exposed crayfish to fluorescent polystyrene microplastics (50 μm) at a high concentration (100,000 particles/L), which exceeded typical environmental levels but was necessary to track accumulation and fragmentation dynamics within the experimental timeframe, and dissections were performed at 24, 48, and 96 h. Spatiotemporal patterns and morphological changes in MPs were analyzed using advanced microscopic imaging techniques. The results revealed a peak in MP accumulation at 48 h, followed by a decrease at 96 h, suggesting a dynamic equilibrium between ingestion and elimination. Over time, particle sizes decreased significantly, a result consistent with microplastic fragmentation. Additionally, feed supplementation during depuration was associated with increased fragmentation efficiency. Morphological analysis showed digestion-induced changes such as surface wrinkling, irregular edges, and particle shrinkage. These findings elucidate the transformation mechanisms of microplastics within crustaceans and provide crucial insights for assessing their potential ecological risks and fate as pollutants. Based on results from high-concentration short-term laboratory exposure studies, this paper further indicates the necessity for in-depth exploration into the long-term dynamics of microplastics within aquatic organisms and the potential for their transfer across trophic levels.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Passage through the Fish and Crayfish Digestive Tract Alters Particle Surface Properties
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how polyethylene microplastics are altered as they pass through the digestive tracts of crucian carp and Australian crayfish. They found that digestive passage significantly damaged particle surfaces and reduced microplastic size without changing chemical composition, and these changes promoted greater bacterial colonization. The findings suggest that animal feeding activity plays an important role in mechanically fragmenting microplastics in aquatic environments.
Plastic Debris in the Stomach of the Invasive Signal Crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus from a Baltic Coastal River
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the stomach contents of invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) for plastic debris, finding ingested plastic fragments and fibres in a proportion of sampled individuals. The study identifies signal crayfish as accumulators of microplastics in freshwater food webs, with potential implications for predators that consume crayfish in affected river systems.
Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Hepatopancreas Histology, Intestinal Microbiota, and Metabolic Response in Cherax quadricarinatus
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed redclaw crayfish to different concentrations of polystyrene microplastics and examined the effects on organ tissue, gut microbiota, and metabolism. At high concentrations, microplastics caused damage to hepatopancreatic tissues, shifted gut bacterial communities toward potentially harmful species, and disrupted amino acid metabolic pathways. The study suggests that microplastic pollution in freshwater environments can have cascading effects on the internal biology of aquatic crustaceans.
Accumulation of polyethylene microplastics induces oxidative stress, microbiome dysbiosis and immunoregulation in crayfish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) to polyethylene microplastics through their diet for 21 days and found that particles accumulated in the intestine, hepatopancreas, gills, and blood, persisting even after a week of depuration in clean water. The accumulated microplastics caused oxidative stress, disrupted the gut microbiome, and altered immune regulation. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may compromise the health and immune defenses of commercially important freshwater crustaceans.
Microplastic burden in invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) increases along a stream urbanization gradient
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts of invasive signal crayfish at every site along a stream gradient from rural to urban, with concentrations rising as more of the upstream area was developed — and detected microplastics in crayfish tail muscle tissue for the first time. Because crayfish are important prey for many species, their accumulation of microplastics in both gut and tissue suggests these pollutants can move through freshwater food chains more broadly than previously recognized.
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.