We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and copper effects on the neotropical teleost Prochilodus lineatus: Is there any interaction?
Summary
Researchers exposed the neotropical fish Prochilodus lineatus to polyethylene microplastics and copper separately and together, finding that microplastics alone caused oxidative stress and genotoxic effects, while combined exposure with copper did not consistently amplify harm compared to either stressor alone.
Microplastics (MP) are emerging contaminants widely found in aquatic ecosystems. In addition to MP toxicity itself, there is increasing concern about the MP adsorption capacity and the interactive effects with other contaminants, such as copper. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of polyethylene microplastic and its association with copper (Cu) in genotoxic, biochemical, and physiological biomarkers of the neotropical teleost Prochilodus lineatus. Fish were exposed for 24 and 96 h to MP (20 μg L) and Cu (10 μg L) and MP + Cu. The results showed that MP and Cu, both isolated and in combination, promoted DNA damage in erythrocytes (96 h) and liver cells (24 and 96 h) indicating that MP and Cu are genotoxic. Fish exposed only to Cu (96 h) showed a decrease in lipid peroxidation in the liver despite of the decrease in glutathione content, indicating the efficiency of other antioxidant defenses. Brain acetylcholinesterase was inhibited in the animals from all the treatments. Although MP did not influence on Cu accumulation in tissues, decreased plasma Na and Ca (24 h) occurred after the exposure to MP and Cu, isolated and combined. Exposure to MP and MP + Cu resulted in decreased activity of Ca-ATPase (24 h). Taken altogether, these results showed that MP and Cu depicted genotoxic, neurotoxic, and physiological effects on P. lineatus, both alone and combined. An interaction between Cu and MP was observed in plasma Ca, where the combination of both contaminants caused a greater effect than the contaminants alone.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and copper on antioxidant capacity, immune response and intestinal microbiota of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Researchers examined the combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and copper on Nile tilapia and found that co-exposure increased copper accumulation in the liver and caused tissue damage in multiple organs. High concentrations of both contaminants together triggered oxidative stress, inflammation, and shifts in intestinal microbial communities. The study suggests that microplastics can worsen the toxic effects of heavy metals on freshwater fish.
Combined effects of microplastics and copper on antioxidant capacity, gut microbiome, and metabolomics of Pseudorasbora parva
Researchers studied the combined effects of microplastics and copper on the freshwater fish Pseudorasbora parva, examining antioxidant capacity, gut microbiota, and metabolic responses. They found that the presence of microplastics alongside copper actually reduced copper accumulation in tissues and lessened oxidative damage compared to copper exposure alone. The study suggests that while microplastics can alter the toxicity profile of metals in fish, the interactions are complex and involve metabolic adjustments that balance cellular repair and energy expenditure.
Combined effects of microplastics and copper on oxidative responses in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Researchers exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio) to microplastics (10 µg/L) and copper (45 µg/L) individually and in combination, finding that fish exposed to both stressors simultaneously exhibited higher oxidative stress across multiple body organs than those exposed to either contaminant alone.
Long-term effects of individual and combined exposure to microplastics and copper in zebrafish hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis – A multi-biomarker evaluation
This study exposed zebrafish to microplastics, copper, and both combined for 30 days and examined effects on their reproductive system. The combination of microplastics and copper caused greater hormonal disruption and oxidative stress than either pollutant alone, affecting genes that control reproduction in both male and female fish. These findings suggest that microplastics interacting with metal pollution in waterways could compound reproductive harm in aquatic organisms and potentially in humans who consume contaminated fish.
Toxic Effect of Combined Exposure of Microplastics and Copper on Goldfish (Carassius auratus): Insight from Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis and Autophagy in Hepatopancreas and Intestine
Researchers found that combined exposure to microplastics and copper in goldfish significantly enhanced copper accumulation and tissue damage in the hepatopancreas and intestine, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy beyond the effects of either pollutant alone.