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Toxic effects of naturally-aged microplastics on zebrafish juveniles: A more realistic approach to plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems
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Researchers exposed juvenile zebrafish to naturally aged polystyrene microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations for five days. They found that the microplastics disrupted the fish's antioxidant defenses, indicating oxidative stress, and caused measurable cellular and neurological impacts. The study suggests that even short-term exposure to realistic levels of weathered microplastics can affect the health of freshwater organisms.
We aim at evaluating the toxicity of naturally-aged polystyrene microplastics (MPs) in Danio rerio at intermediate development stage. Animal models were stactically exposed to 4 × 10 and 4 × 10 microparticles/m for five days - this concentration is environmentally relevant. We evaluated MP's impact on animals' nutritional status and REDOX balance, as well as its potential neuro- and cytotoxic action on them. Initially, MPs did not induce any change in total carbohydrates, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. MP accumulation was associated with oxidative stress induction, which was inferred by the nitrite and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels. Furthermore, we observed that such stress was not counterbalanced by increase in the assessed enzymatic (total glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic (total thiols, reduced glutathione and DPPH radical scavenging activity) antioxidants. The association between high acetylcholinesterase activity and numerical changes in neuroblasts distributed on animals' body surface confirmed MP's neurotoxic potential. MP's ability to induce apoptosis and necrosis processes in animals' erythrocytes suggested its cytotoxic action; therefore, the present study is pioneer in providing insight on how MPs can affect young freshwater fish at environmental concentrations. It is essential knowing the magnitude of these pollutants' impact on the ichthyofauna.
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Genotoxic and Oxidative Damage of Environmental Pollutant Microplastics on Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed zebrafish to polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics at different concentrations for up to 21 days to measure oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study found that both types of microplastics disrupted the antioxidant system and caused measurable DNA damage, with effects depending on dosage and exposure time. These results suggest that microplastics in waterways could pose genetic and cellular risks to aquatic life.
Toxicity evaluation of the combination of emerging pollutants with polyethylene microplastics in zebrafish: Perspective study of genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and redox unbalance
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Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics combined with a mixture of common water pollutants for 15 days and assessed DNA damage, mutation rates, and oxidative stress. They found that microplastics alone caused DNA damage and nuclear abnormalities as severe as those caused by the pollutant mixture, challenging the assumption that microplastics are less harmful than chemical contaminants. The study revealed that the fish's antioxidant defenses were overwhelmed across multiple organs, suggesting widespread oxidative damage from microplastic exposure.
Sub-chronic toxicity of polystyrene microplastics in Danio rerio: evidence from hematological, biochemical, oxidative stress, and histopathological biomarkers
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Zebrafish exposed to polystyrene microplastics for 20 days showed blood changes, lower blood sugar and protein levels, and increased oxidative damage in the gills. The fish also showed altered antioxidant activity, reduced brain enzyme function linked to nervous system signaling, and tissue damage in the gills, gut, and brain.
Effects of chronic exposure of naturally weathered microplastics on oxidative stress level, behaviour, and mitochondrial function of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to naturally weathered microplastics for 21 days and assessed behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function. The study found that weathered microplastics induced anxiety-like behavior, elevated oxidative stress markers, and disrupted mitochondrial function, suggesting that real-world weathered microplastics may pose different biological risks than pristine laboratory particles.
Polystyrene microparticles can affect the health status of freshwater fish – Threat of oral microplastics intake
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Researchers fed juvenile rainbow trout polystyrene microplastics at three dietary concentrations for six weeks and assessed multiple health parameters. They found that the highest concentration triggered immune responses, liver and gill damage, disrupted antioxidant balance, and reduced plasma proteins. The study demonstrates that oral microplastic intake can negatively affect the health of freshwater fish across multiple organ systems.
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