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Microplastic exposure and effects in aquatic organisms: A physiological perspective
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This review summarizes recent research on how microplastics affect aquatic organisms from a physiological perspective, connecting routes of uptake with effects at the molecular, cellular, and whole-organism level. Researchers highlight that feeding strategies strongly influence which organisms ingest the most microplastics, and that effects range from oxidative stress to reproductive impairment. The study also flags emerging concerns about chemical additives leaching from plastics and the potential for microplastics to serve as substrates for pathogen growth.
The impact of microplastics (MPs) on aquatic life, given their ubiquitous presence in the water compartment, represents a growing concern. Consistently, scientific knowledge is advancing rapidly, although evidence on actual adverse effects is still highly fragmented. This paper summarizes the recent literature on MP impacts on aquatic organisms in an attempt to link routes of uptake, possible alterations of physiological processes, and outcomes at different levels of biological organization. Animal feeding strategies and MP biodistribution is discussed, alongside with relevant effects at molecular, cellular, and systemic level. Pathways from animal exposure to apical physiological responses are examined to define the relevance of MPs for animal health, and to point out open questions and research gaps. Emphasis is given to emerging threats posed by leaching of plastic additives, many of which have endocrine disruption potential. The potential role of MPs as substrates for microorganism growth and vehicle for pathogen spreading is also addressed.
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This comprehensive review assessed the impacts of microplastics on diverse aquatic organisms—including fish, marine mammals, mollusks, crustaceans, and microorganisms—from ingestion through ecological-level consequences. The authors found that microplastics cause physical injury, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and behavioral changes across taxa, with downstream effects on food web structure and ecosystem function.
Toxicity and biomarkers of micro-plastic in aquatic environment: a review
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This review synthesizes literature on the toxicity and biomarker responses of aquatic organisms to microplastics, covering uptake routes, bioavailability factors, and both lethal and sub-lethal effects. It highlights oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and genotoxicity as consistent toxic mechanisms across diverse aquatic species.
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This review synthesizes experimental studies on microplastic ingestion and effects across a wide range of marine organisms, finding evidence of physical harm, reproductive effects, and reduced feeding in multiple taxa. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the biological consequences of microplastic ingestion and identifies key knowledge gaps for future research.
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This review examines the toxicological consequences of microplastic pollution on aquatic organisms, summarizing effects on growth, reproduction, oxidative stress, and endocrine function across fish, invertebrate, and algae model species.
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Researchers comprehensively review how microplastics disrupt fish physiology, documenting effects on growth, blood chemistry, reproduction, oxidative stress, immune function, and behavior — tracing mechanisms from gastrointestinal damage and endocrine disruption to neurotoxicity and transgenerational harm — to inform ecological risk assessment in aquatic and fisheries contexts.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.