We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Complex combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and phenanthrene in aquatic models
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the combined toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and the pollutant phenanthrene in fish cells and zebrafish larvae. They found that the interaction between nanoplastics and phenanthrene was complex and tissue-dependent, with nanoplastics increasing phenanthrene uptake in some cell types while decreasing it in others. Interestingly, zebrafish larvae experienced lower overall toxicity during co-exposure compared to single-pollutant exposure, suggesting the interaction dynamics are more nuanced than previously assumed.
Nanoplastic (NPs) pollution is an increasing social concern due to their potential to accumulate in aquatic environments and their ability to penetrate organisms. In addition, they can adsorb toxic chemicals from their surroundings and help to transfer them to organisms. This study evaluated the effects of co-exposure of polystyrene (PS)-NPs and phenanthrene (PHE) on toxicity, accumulation, and metabolization in two fish cell lines (zebrafish liver cells and rainbow trout intestinal cells) and in zebrafish. The uptake of PS-NPs was studied by cytometry and confocal microscopy while PHE uptake and metabolization was determined by extraction and detection of the compound and its major metabolites (hydroxy-phenanthrene, OH-PHEs) by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Lower uptake of PS-NPs was observed in intestinal cells and zebrafish larvae gut in the presence of PHE, but higher uptakes were observed in zebrafish liver cells. Higher concentrations of PHE and its metabolites were detected in the presence of PS-NPs. Interestingly, zebrafish larvae experienced lower toxicity during co-exposure compared to single exposure. These results indicate that the interaction between PS-NPs and PHE presents a synergistic effect with significant complexity, showing cell-type and tissue dependent ecotoxicological effects and suggesting differential pathways of uptake and distribution of these pollutants.
More Papers Like This
Detrimental effects of individual versus combined exposure to tetrabromobisphenol A and polystyrene nanoplastics in fish cell lines
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how combined exposure to the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A and polystyrene nanoparticles affects freshwater fish cells. They found that co-exposure to even low concentrations of both pollutants caused subtle changes in cell viability and generated oxidative DNA damage. The study suggests that the interaction between nanoplastics and chemical pollutants in aquatic environments may pose compounding risks to fish health.
Nanoplastics Decrease the Toxicity of a Complex PAH Mixture but Impair Mitochondrial Energy Production in Developing Zebrafish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the combined toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and a real-world mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on developing zebrafish. While the nanoplastics alone did not cause visible developmental defects, they impaired mitochondrial energy production and unexpectedly reduced the toxicity of the PAH mixture. The findings suggest that nanoplastics can interact with co-occurring pollutants in complex ways, sometimes moderating their effects while causing their own subtle cellular damage.
Toxicological effects of microplastics and phenanthrene to zebrafish (Danio rerio)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed zebrafish to polystyrene microplastics, the pollutant phenanthrene, and a combination of both to assess their toxicity over 24 days. They found that co-exposure amplified oxidative stress, suppressed immune gene expression, and significantly disrupted the gut microbiome compared to either contaminant alone. The study suggests that microplastics can worsen the toxic effects of organic pollutants in aquatic organisms by altering how chemicals accumulate and interact in the body.
Adverse effects of polystyrene nanoplastic and its binary mixtures with nonylphenol on zebrafish nervous system: From oxidative stress to impaired neurotransmitter system
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Enhanced neurotoxic effect of PCB-153 when co-exposed with polystyrene nanoplastics in zebrafish larvae
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that when zebrafish larvae were exposed to both polystyrene nanoplastics and the toxic chemical PCB-153 together, the neurological damage was significantly worse than from either pollutant alone. The combined exposure caused hyperactive swimming behavior and suppressed immune, brain, and detoxification pathways at the genetic level. This is concerning because nanoplastics and persistent organic pollutants frequently co-exist in the environment, meaning their real-world health effects on aquatic life and humans may be greater than studies of single pollutants suggest.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.