We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and Copper Affect Zebrafish Behavior and Responses to Predation Threat
Summary
Zebrafish were exposed to two size classes of aged polyethylene microplastics with and without copper (10 µg/L) to assess effects on behaviour and predator response. Microplastics and copper together impaired anti-predator behaviour more than either pollutant alone, suggesting synergistic impacts on fish survival in contaminated environments.
Microplastics have been found in every part of the planet and in almost every tissue type that has been tested. They are a complex class of pollutants with multiple direct and indirect effects. There is an urgent and growing need to understand their toxicological impacts. Here we measured the effects of two size classes (13.2 µm ± 8.1 and 595.7 µm ± 187.3) of aged polyethylene microplastics, in the presence or absence of copper (10 μg/L), on the behavior of zebrafish and on their ability to respond to a conspecific alarm cue. Additionally, we measured the effects of the microplastics and copper on metal bioaccumulation and induction of metallothionein. Exposure to microplastics decreased the swimming speed of the zebrafish but may have reduced some of the effects of copper. Fish exposed to copper and microplastics had higher swimming velocities than fish exposed to copper alone. However, large microplastics also increased copper bioaccumulation and metallothionein production. Fish that were not exposed to copper decreased their swimming speed after addition of the alarm cue, but there was also an interaction with microplastics. Multivariate analysis of swimming behavior showed that fish exposed to small microplastics and copper formed a distinctive group after addition of the alarm, suggesting that it altered their behavioral responses. Our results show complex interactions between microplastics and copper and highlight the need for comprehensive risk assessment under different environmental scenarios. Fish rely on olfaction to find food and avoid predators. It is well established that metals can inhibit olfaction in fish. Microplastics may interact with metallic pollutants to increase their impact.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The Effects of Single and Combined Exposure to Polystyrene Nanoplastics and Copper on the Behavior of Adult Zebrafish
Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics and copper ions affected zebrafish behavior when the fish were exposed to both pollutants simultaneously. The combination was more toxic than either pollutant alone, reducing the concentration needed to kill fish by up to 32%. Since nanoplastics and heavy metals commonly occur together in polluted water, their combined effects on aquatic life could increase the risks associated with consuming contaminated fish.
Toxicological effects induced on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) after an acute exposure to microplastics alone or co-exposed with copper
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to microplastics alone and combined with copper to assess their joint toxicity during early development. They found that copper, both alone and combined with microplastics, reduced survival, increased oxidative stress, inhibited a key nervous system enzyme, and disrupted avoidance and social behaviors. The study suggests that microplastics may modulate copper toxicity in some biological endpoints, highlighting the importance of studying combined pollutant exposures during vulnerable developmental stages.
Microplastics alone or co-exposed with copper induce neurotoxicity and behavioral alterations on zebrafish larvae after a subchronic exposure
Researchers exposed zebrafish larvae to microplastics alone and in combination with copper, a common water pollutant, and found that both caused neurotoxic effects and behavioral changes. Larvae showed reduced swimming speed, impaired avoidance responses, and inhibited activity of acetylcholinesterase, a key enzyme for nervous system function. When microplastics and copper were combined, the harmful effects were amplified, suggesting that microplastics can worsen the toxicity of other environmental contaminants.
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.
Single and combined acute and subchronic toxic effects of microplastics and copper in zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos and larvae to microplastics, copper, and their combinations to assess individual and combined toxic effects. They found that microplastics alone caused limited harm, but when combined with copper, the mixture produced altered biochemical responses and changes in gene expression. The study suggests that microplastics can modify the toxicity of heavy metals in aquatic organisms during early development.