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Polystyrene microplastics are reprotoxic for oyster
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This French study demonstrated that polystyrene microplastics are reprotoxic for oysters, impairing reproductive function in these economically and ecologically important bivalves. The finding highlights the risk that microplastic pollution poses to shellfish reproduction and by extension to marine food security.
International audience
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Oyster reproduction is affected by exposure to polystyrene microplastics
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Researchers exposed Pacific oysters to polystyrene microplastics during their reproductive period and found significant impacts on their ability to reproduce. Exposed oysters produced fewer and smaller egg cells and slower-swimming sperm, resulting in fewer offspring that also developed more slowly. The study demonstrates that microplastic pollution could threaten the reproductive success of commercially and ecologically important shellfish populations.
It's tough for life on a plastic planet
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A summary of research showing that Pacific oysters exposed to polystyrene microspheres suffered disrupted digestion and reduced reproductive success, with some negative effects passing to the next generation. The findings suggest microplastics can harm shellfish reproduction, with potential implications for both marine ecosystems and seafood industries.
Polystyrene microplastics photo-aged under simulated sunlight influences gonadal development in the Pacific oyster
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Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics aged by simulated sunlight harmed the reproductive development of Pacific oysters, reducing gonad size and disrupting sex hormones. Female oysters were especially affected, with altered energy allocation and significant changes in genes related to reproductive development. Since most microplastics in the ocean have been weathered by sunlight, these findings suggest that real-world microplastic exposure may pose a greater threat to shellfish reproduction than laboratory tests with fresh plastics indicate.
Environmental contamination with polystyrene micro and nano plastic affects Mytilus galloprovincialis ovaries
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Researchers exposed Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) to 5 µm microplastics and 0.1 µm nanoplastics and found that both triggered oxidative stress, disrupted cytoskeletal proteins, and impaired oocyte maturation, with nanoplastics causing more severe suppression of egg cell proliferation and higher rates of cell death — raising concerns for coastal mollusk reproductive health.
Impact of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the entire female mouse reproductive cycle: Assessing reproductive toxicity of microplastics through in vitro follicle culture
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Female mice exposed to polystyrene microplastics suffered significant damage to their reproductive systems, including ovarian cell death, abnormal egg development, and fewer offspring. The microplastics accumulated in the ovaries and triggered cell death pathways while disrupting survival signaling in the cells that support egg development, suggesting microplastic exposure could contribute to declining fertility.
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