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Acute exposure to nanoplastics and GenX results in increased tissue accumulation of GenX in brain and liver of spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)
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Scientists found that when fish were exposed to both GenX (a newer type of "forever chemical") and tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics, the GenX built up more in their brains and livers compared to fish exposed to GenX alone. This matters because it suggests that the combination of plastic pollution and chemical contamination in our oceans could be more harmful than expected. Since humans eat fish and are also exposed to these same pollutants, this research raises concerns about how these contaminants might interact in our bodies too.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and micro/nanoplastics are widely detected and persistent contaminants present in natural waters. While considerable research has been conducted on effects of PFAS on freshwater fish, little is known regarding potential for adverse impacts on marine species. Similarly, much attention has been paid to potential impacts of microplastics, but less is known regarding effects of exposure to nano-sized plastics. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for interactive effects between common models of PFAS (GenX) and nanoplastic particles (NP) by utilizing exposure of adult spotted seatrout to 4 treatments: Control, GenX, 50 nm fluorescing NP, and GenX + NP for 7 days, and then placed remaining fish in clean water for 7 more days. Exposure was conducted as a static renewal exposure in quadruplicate exposure tanks with four adult seatrout per tank. At the end of 7 days, fish were removed and sampled for analysis of impact. Our results indicate that GenX (1) accumulated in liver and brain of seatrout, (2) presence of NP increased concentration of GenX detected in these organs, and (3) combination of GenX+NP resulted in altered peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) expression profiles in brains of exposed fish. Data demonstrate that exposure to newer PFAS, such as GenX, in presence of NP may exert greater impacts than predicted from exposure to GenX alone. Further, adult pelagic marine fish might accumulate both PFAS and NP if exposed in the environment enhancing adverse environmental impacts.
More Papers Like This
Acute exposure to nanoplastics and GenX results in increased tissue accumulation of GenX in brain and liver of spotted seatrout ( Cynoscion nebulosus )
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that when fish were exposed to both GenX (a newer type of "forever chemical") and tiny plastic particles at the same time, more of the toxic GenX chemical built up in their brains and livers compared to GenX exposure alone. This matters because humans eat fish and are also exposed to both plastic pollution and forever chemicals in our environment. The study suggests these two types of pollution may work together to cause more harm than either one alone.
Acute exposure to nanoplastics and GenX results in increased tissue accumulation of GenX in brain and liver of spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that when fish were exposed to both GenX (a newer "forever chemical") and tiny plastic particles at the same time, the GenX built up more in their brains and livers compared to GenX exposure alone. The plastic particles seem to act like a delivery system, helping the toxic chemical accumulate more in organs. This matters because humans also consume seafood and are exposed to both plastics and forever chemicals in our environment, suggesting these pollutants might be more harmful when they occur together.
Neurobehavioral toxicity induced by combined exposure of micro/nanoplastics and triphenyltin in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)
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When marine medaka fish were exposed to both nanoplastics and the toxic chemical triphenyltin together, they showed much worse nerve and behavioral damage than from either pollutant alone. The combined exposure significantly reduced the fish's swimming ability and disrupted neural gene expression, with smaller nanoplastics causing more severe effects than larger microplastics. This highlights that real-world conditions, where microplastics coexist with other pollutants, may produce amplified toxic effects on the nervous system.
Effects of micro/nanoplastics combined with three anthropogenic chemicals on larval zebrafish (Danio rerio): study of toxicity, behaviour and assessment of uptake
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles alone didn't harm baby zebrafish, but when combined with common chemicals found in flame retardants and antidepressants, the plastics made those chemicals more toxic. This suggests that in the real world, where we're exposed to plastic particles and chemicals together, the combination could be more harmful than either one alone—even though this study was in fish, it raises questions about how plastic pollution might amplify chemical risks for humans too.
Adverse effects of polystyrene nanoplastic and its binary mixtures with nonylphenol on zebrafish nervous system: From oxidative stress to impaired neurotransmitter system
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Researchers investigated the individual and combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and the industrial chemical nonylphenol on the zebrafish nervous system over 45 days. Both substances induced oxidative stress and disrupted neurotransmitter systems, with combined exposure generally producing more severe effects on glutamate metabolism and brain tissue damage. The study suggests that the interaction between nanoplastics and co-occurring environmental pollutants can amplify neurotoxic effects in fish.
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