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What Can Model Polystyrene Nanoparticles Can Teach Us on the Impact of Nanoplastics in Bivalves? Studies in Mytilus from the Molecular to the Organism Level
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Researchers used model polystyrene nanoparticles to study how nanoplastics affect mussels at the molecular and whole-organism level, shedding light on the potential harm of plastic particles smaller than one micrometer. Because nanoplastics can penetrate cells more easily than larger microplastics, these findings suggest they may pose distinct biological risks to aquatic life and potentially humans.
The concept of nanoplastics has recently emerged carrying with it the idea of their possible distinct impact on aquatic organisms. Microplastics may be degraded into nanosized particles (from 1 to 1000 nm) under abiotic conditions. However, as for microplastics,...
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Molecular and cellular effects of nano- and microplastics on oysters: a review
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Researchers reviewed the ecotoxicological effects of nano- and microplastics on oysters, finding that while high concentrations cause measurable physiological and cellular harm, there is a critical lack of studies at environmentally realistic exposure levels needed to accurately predict ecological consequences.
Cytotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics Involves Mitochondrial Dysfunction and DNA Damage in Hemocytes of the Pacific Oyster
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) can damage the immune cells of oysters by harming their mitochondria, the "batteries" that power cells, leading to DNA damage even at low exposure levels. While this study was done in oysters, not humans, it adds to growing evidence that nanoplastics can disrupt basic cell functions, raising questions about what similar exposure might mean for human health given how widespread plastic pollution has become in our food and water.
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