We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic fiber-induced transgenerational epigenetic disruption impairs fitness in Daphnia magna
Summary
Researchers investigated the multi-generational effects of microplastic fiber exposure on the water flea Daphnia magna across three generations. They found that microplastic fibers negatively affected reproduction and survival, and these effects persisted into unexposed generations through epigenetic changes. The study reveals that microplastic pollution may cause lasting harm to aquatic populations through inherited biological alterations, not just direct exposure.
Microplastic fibers (MPFs) are the most prevalent type of microplastics in freshwater environments. However, although the effects of plastic pollution on various aquatic species have been extensively studied, the underlying mechanisms of the intergenerational effects of MPFs on aquatic organisms remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the multi- and transgenerational toxicity of MPFs in Daphnia magna over three generations. Our findings revealed that MPFs exposure negatively affects reproduction and molting frequency across generations. Notably, the transgenerational groups exhibited reproductive impairments and reduced molting frequency in the F1 and F2 generations (F1T and F2T), despite never being directly exposed to MPFs. Furthermore, whole-genome bisulfite sequencing revealed that these transgenerational adverse effects are associated with differential DNA methylation patterns in specific genes, suggesting that MPFs may threaten Daphnia populations through epigenetic modifications. Collectively, our findings provide valuable insights into the intergenerational toxicity of MPFs and the underlying molecular mechanisms driving these responses.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in Daphnia magna exposed to polyethylene microplastic fragments containing benzophenone-3 additive
Researchers exposed Daphnia magna to polyethylene microplastics containing benzophenone-3 for a single generation and then tracked effects through three subsequent unexposed generations. The study found persistent epigenetic changes across all four generations, including six genes that remained altered throughout, affecting pathways related to detoxification, development, and cardiovascular function, challenging current assumptions about how environmental risk from microplastics should be assessed.
Tissue translocation, multigenerational and population effects of microplastics in Daphnia magna
This study examined how microplastics are taken up by the water flea Daphnia magna and whether exposure causes multigenerational effects, finding that microplastics can accumulate in body tissues and pass to offspring. The results suggest microplastic pollution poses risks not just to exposed individuals but can affect population health across generations.
Transgenerational effects and recovery of microplastics exposure in model populations of the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna Straus
Researchers tracked the effects of microplastic exposure across four generations of Daphnia magna and found that reproductive impairment and growth reductions persisted into offspring generations that were never directly exposed. The study suggests that microplastics can cause transgenerational effects in freshwater organisms, though partial recovery was observed when exposure ceased.
Epigenetic and Gene Expression Responses in Daphnia magna to Polyethylene and Polystyrene Microplastics
Researchers exposed water fleas (Daphnia magna) to polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics and examined changes at the genetic and molecular level. They found that the microplastics altered DNA methylation patterns and disrupted the expression of genes involved in reproduction and stress response. The study provides evidence that microplastic exposure can cause changes beyond physical harm, affecting organisms at the epigenetic level.
A fit-for-purpose categorization scheme for microplastic morphologies
Researchers studied the long-term effects of polypropylene microplastic exposure on the life history traits of the water flea Daphnia magna across three generations, finding progressively increasing reproductive impairment and reduced survival in successive generations. The multigenerational impacts exceeded those observed in single-generation tests.