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Influence of polystyrene microplastics on bioconcentration and metabolism of 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

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Tiny plastic bits (microplastics) can stick to a common flame-retardant chemical found in furniture and electronics, changing how it builds up and breaks down inside fish. In this study, fish exposed to both microplastics and the chemical together took longer to clear it from their bodies, meaning the combo may linger in their system longer than the chemical alone. Since fish are a major food source, this suggests microplastic pollution could indirectly affect how long other chemicals persist in the seafood we eat, highlighting a health risk that needs more research.

Polymers

The synergistic effects of microplastics (MPs) and co-existing pollutants, particularly their impact on aquatic organisms, is an emerging concern. The influence of MPs on the bioconcentration and biotransformation of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in organisms remains poorly understood. This study investigated the impact of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the bioconcentration and metabolism of 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP), a specific OPFR, in common carp. Results indicated that the adsorption kinetics of PS-MPs on EHDPHP conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R > 0.961), indicating a high adsorption capacity. Both the linear model (R = 0.995) and Freundlich model (R = 0.996) described effectively the adsorption isotherms. Compared with EHDPHP exposure alone, the presence of PS-MPs potentially reduced the bioconcentration of EHDPHP in fish tissues without significantly altering its distribution. Notably, the bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and half-life (t) of EHDPHP were elevated in fish. Furthermore, 14 metabolites, primarily formed through hydroxylation metabolism, were identified, suggesting that PS-MPs may amplify EHDPHP's hydroxylation process. These results offer critical insights into the environmental behavior and risk assessments of MPs and OPFRs, underscoring the need for comprehensive ecological studies in this area.

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Article Tier 2

New Insights into the Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Freshwater Fish, Labeo rohita: Assessment on Histopathology, Mineral Composition, Bioaccumulation and Antioxidant Activity

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Researchers fed Labeo rohita fish diets containing up to 2.5% polystyrene microplastics over 90 days and found dose-dependent intestinal damage, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, altered mineral composition in muscle tissue, and bioaccumulation of particles, suggesting risks to farmed fish health and potentially to people who consume them.

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