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Ecotoxicological effects of low-density polyethylene microplastic on Heteropneustes fossilis: behavioral, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological impacts
Summary
Scientists exposed freshwater fish to tiny plastic particles (microplastics) from everyday items like plastic bags and found they caused serious health problems including blood disorders, organ damage, and weakened immune systems. The higher the amount of plastic particles, the worse the damage became to vital organs like gills, intestines, and liver. This matters because these same microplastics are found throughout our food chain and water supply, raising concerns about potential health risks for humans who consume contaminated fish and water.
Introduction Microplastics (MPs) ingestion has been demonstrated in several living organisms, indicating the widespread dispersion of these tiny particles throughout aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, we elucidate the concentration-dependent ecotoxicological effects of low-density polyethylene microplastics (LDPE MPs) on the commercially important freshwater fish Heteropneustes fossilis . Methods Experimental set up [one control and different concentration (100, 500, 1000 μg/L) of LDPE MPs exposed groups] had six fish per group for seven days duration. Exposed fish specimens were evaluated for behavioral, hematological (direct, indirect parameters), biochemical (glycogen, lipid, and protein), antioxidant stress enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; peroxidase, POD; and lipid peroxidation, LPO), and histopathological changes in major vital organs compared to the control experimental group. Results The hematological indices (RBC counts, Hb, Hct, and MCHC) showed a significant decline after exposure to MPs. The biochemical changes were tissue-specific, following the order: Muscle > Gill > Intestine > Brain > Kidney > Liver. Histopathological damage was recorded as maximum in the gills, followed by the intestine, stomach, liver, and kidney. The least damage was in the brain. The antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and POD) showed a decline, whereas LPO levels increased at higher MPs concentrations, indicating oxidative stress compared to the control group. Discussion The study demonstrated that LDPE MPs exert adverse effects on target organs and significantly alter the immune response in MPs exposed experimental fish, H. fossilis .