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Polystyrene microplastics alter the behavior, energy reserve and nutritional composition of marine jacopever (Sebastes schlegelii)
Summary
Researchers exposed juvenile jacopever fish to polystyrene microplastics and observed significant changes in feeding behavior, swimming activity, and energy reserves. The fish took longer to find food, moved less, and showed reduced levels of stored energy and altered nutritional composition in their tissues. The study suggests that microplastic exposure can impair the basic survival behaviors and overall fitness of marine fish.
Uptake and toxicity of microplastics on marine organisms have been reported elsewhere. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the ecological effects of microplastics on marine organisms. In this study, we investigated the effects of polystyrene microplastics (1 × 10 microspheres per L) on the behavior, energy reserve and nutritional composition of juvenile jacopever (Sebastes schlegelii). Compared to the controls, fish treated by microplastics showed lower sensitivity toward the added food in the tank, and increased foraging time, indicating that microplastics significantly weakened feeding activity of the fish. Interestingly, the microplastics treated-fish obviously reduced swimming speed and range of movement, demonstrating that polystyrene microplastics could have negative effect on hunting behavior. Furthermore, polystyrene microplastics accumulated in the gills and intestine, causing significant histopathological changes in the gallbladder and liver. Moreover, the energy reserve and nutritional quality of fish were influenced by microplastics as evidenced by lower growth, protein and lipid contents. Our results highlighted the potential negative effects of microplastics on marine ecological function and food safety.