Synergetic Health Effects of Microplastics With Microbe on Tilapia in the Biofloc Technology System

ABSTRACT Microplastics (MPs) have drawn great interest in aquaculture studies due to their health effects. But the underneath relationships among MPs and other environmental factors are still unclear, particularly the synergetic health effects with environmental and fish microbes. To respond, we have investigated the impacts of MPs on tilapia along with microorganisms in the biofloc technology (BFT) system. Our results demonstrate that MPs reduce probiotic levels while increasing pathogenic bacteria in both the biofloc technology (BFT) system and in tilapia. In addition, a 38.24% reduction in tilapia gut microbiota was observed following MP exposure. This study elucidates that MPs impair fish health primarily through compromised water quality, disrupted intestinal microbiota, and induced oxidative stress. Consequently, we propose optimising suspended solid management to maintain probiotic stability and mitigate MP contamination. These findings provide a scientific basis for improving aquaculture environmental management and MP pollution control and advancing sustainable fisheries development.