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Potentiation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon uptake in zebrafish embryos by nanoplastics
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Nanoplastics present in the environment were found to enhance the uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in zebrafish embryos, suggesting that plastic particles can act as a "Trojan horse" that increases exposure to other toxic pollutants. This combined toxicity effect raises important concerns about the true health risks of microplastic contamination.
The presence of microplastics in the environment and their potential effects on the health of organisms are a subject of great concern.
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PAH Sorption to Nanoplastics and the Trojan Horse Effect as Drivers of Mitochondrial Toxicity and PAH Localization in Zebrafish
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Researchers investigated whether nanoplastics act as a 'Trojan Horse' carrying adsorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into zebrafish cells, finding that nanoplastic-bound PAHs accumulated in mitochondria and caused greater mitochondrial toxicity than free PAHs alone.
The “Trojan Horse” effect of nanoplastics: potentiation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon uptake in rainbow trout and the mitigating effects of natural organic matter
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This study investigated the 'Trojan Horse' effect of nanoplastics, examining whether nanoplastic particles potentiate the toxicity of co-sorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by facilitating their uptake and cellular delivery in aquatic organisms.
Bioavailability of micro/nanoplastics and their associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to Daphnia Magna: Role of ingestion and egestion of plastics
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Using a passive dosing system that kept dissolved pollutant concentrations constant, researchers showed that microplastics and nanoplastics dramatically increase the toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to the water flea Daphnia magna: immobilization reached 71-80% when MPs/NPs and PAHs were combined, compared to 24% for PAHs alone. The PAHs adsorbed onto microplastic surfaces were bioavailable and contributed 37-50% of the total toxic effect, acting as a vector that delivers concentrated doses of carcinogenic compounds to organisms that ingest the particles. These findings reveal that the true hazard of microplastics in polluted water is substantially greater than either the particles or the chemical contaminants would cause on their own.
Influence of microplastics on the bioconcentration of organic contaminants in fish: Is the “Trojan horse” effect a matter of concern?
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Researchers tested whether microplastic ingestion increases the bioconcentration of hydrophobic organic chemicals in zebrafish, examining the so-called 'Trojan horse' effect. They found that exposure to contaminated polyethylene microplastics did not significantly increase chemical accumulation in fish compared to waterborne exposure alone. The study suggests that for these chemicals, direct water exposure remains the dominant uptake pathway, and the microplastic carrier effect may be less concerning than previously thought.
Influence of microplastic-associated biofilms on the bioavailability of a mixture of cadmium and benzo[a]pyrene by the analysis of biomarker gene expression in larval zebrafish
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Researchers found that microbial biofilms — thin layers of bacteria that coat microplastics in water — selectively reduce how much of a toxic chemical called benzo[a]pyrene gets absorbed by larval zebrafish, while not affecting cadmium absorption, showing that microplastics can act as complex, biology-influenced carriers of multiple pollutants simultaneously.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.