Combined Effect of Polystyrene Particles and Copper Ions on the Vital Parameters of Daphnia Magna in a Series of Generations

The effect of a combination of polystyrene microparticles of various origins and copper ions on the development of classical test objects of the branched crustacean Daphnia magna in chronic experiments over four generations was studied. The article considers two variants of the impact of microplastic particles on culture — short-term (exposure during the first seven days) and permanent (over four generations). The effect of short-term exposure was considered for a polystyrene sample taken from the supralittoral of the Barents Sea, as well as for a new sample. In this part of the study, it was assumed that environmental pollution with high concentrations of MP (50 mg/L) is temporary. At the same time, the increased content of copper ions in the water may remain constant. The effect of continuous exposure was evaluated only for samples taken from the environment. In order to bring the experimental conditions closer to natural ones, it was decided to reduce the concentration of MP (25 mg/L). In all cases, the copper ion content in the solution remained constant (0.05 mg/L) throughout all generations. With short-term exposure to MP particles (50 mg/L), a protective effect was observed in the presence of copper ions, expressed in an increase in the life expectancy of individuals compared with groups not exposed to MP. With constant exposure to MP particles (25 mg/L), this effect weakens.