We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polystyrene modulation of perfluorooctanoic acid toxicity in zebrafish: Transcriptomic and toxicological insights
Summary
Researchers exposed zebrafish to the industrial chemical PFOA both alone and in combination with polystyrene microplastics of different sizes to understand how the particles influence chemical toxicity. They found that PFOA disrupted neurotransmitter pathways, and the addition of microplastics modified this toxicity in a size-dependent manner, with smaller particles generally increasing harmful effects. The study provides evidence that microplastics can alter how other environmental pollutants affect living organisms.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and microplastics are widespread aquatic pollutants, yet their combined toxicological effects remain unclear. This study investigates how polystyrene (PS) microplastics influence the toxicity of PFOA in zebrafish, focusing on transcriptomic, toxicological, and molecular dynamics insights. Zebrafish were exposed to PFOA alone or with PS of varying sizes (0.2, 2, and 20 μm). PFOA disrupted neurotransmitter release pathways, while PS modulated toxicity in a size-dependent manner. Specifically, 0.2 PS enhanced PFOA-induced inhibition of neurotransmission via activation of G protein-gated potassium channels and inhibition of calcium channels. 2 PS exacerbated disruptions in amino acid metabolism, including histidine, glycine, and arginine pathways. Survival rates decreased with increasing PFOA, and PS-particularly 2 PS and 20 PS-further reduced survival and increased PFOA accumulation. Histopathology revealed significant gut and muscle damage under high PFOA exposure, worsened by PS. Molecular simulations showed that PS increased binding energies and altered protein flexibility, weakening ligand-receptor interactions critical to metabolism and detoxification. Moreover, 20 PS amplified PFOA-induced inhibition of phase II conjugation pathways. Overall, PS significantly alters PFOA bioaccumulation and toxicity, underscoring the environmental risks associated with the co-occurrence of microplastics and persistent organic pollutants in aquatic ecosystems.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Adverse effects of polystyrene nanoplastic and its binary mixtures with nonylphenol on zebrafish nervous system: From oxidative stress to impaired neurotransmitter system
Researchers investigated the individual and combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and the industrial chemical nonylphenol on the zebrafish nervous system over 45 days. Both substances induced oxidative stress and disrupted neurotransmitter systems, with combined exposure generally producing more severe effects on glutamate metabolism and brain tissue damage. The study suggests that the interaction between nanoplastics and co-occurring environmental pollutants can amplify neurotoxic effects in fish.
Combined toxicity of polyethylene micro/nanoplastics and PFOA in zebrafish (Danio rerio): Impacts on antioxidant, neurotransmission, and gut microbiota
Researchers exposed zebrafish to polyethylene micro/nanoplastics and the industrial pollutant PFOA individually and in combination, assessing antioxidant capacity, neurotransmission, and gut microbiome composition. Combined exposure caused greater oxidative stress, more severe neurotransmitter disruption, and larger gut microbiome shifts than either contaminant alone, highlighting synergistic risks of co-occurring plastic and PFAS pollution.
Polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics induce neurotoxicity in zebrafish via oxidative stress and neurotransmitter disruption
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics and found that both particle sizes caused neurodevelopmental toxicity, with nanoplastics being more potent. The plastic particles induced oxidative stress in the brain and disrupted neurotransmitter levels critical for normal neural development. The study suggests that microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in aquatic environments may pose significant risks to the neurological development of fish.
Co-exposure to polystyrene microplastics and perfluorooctanoic acid can exacerbate lipid metabolism disorders and liver damage in adult zebrafish
Researchers exposed zebrafish to polystyrene microplastics and the persistent pollutant PFOA separately and together for 28 days, finding that combined exposure caused greater intestinal barrier breakdown, liver damage, lipid metabolism disruption, and gut microbiome dysbiosis than either contaminant alone — raising concerns about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease risk from co-occurring plastic and chemical pollution.
The exploration of chronic combined toxic mechanisms of environmental PFOA and polyethylene micro/nanoplastics on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio), using aquatic microcosm systems
Researchers studied the combined toxic effects of polyethylene micro/nanoplastics and the chemical pollutant PFOA on zebrafish in conditions mimicking real aquaculture systems. They found that the combination produced time-dependent toxicity patterns, with effects on the liver, gut, and reproductive systems that were sometimes more severe than either pollutant alone. The study highlights that microplastics and industrial chemicals can interact in ways that amplify their individual harms to aquatic life.