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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic consumption and excretion by fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas): Influence of particles size and body shape of fish
ClearMicroplastic evacuation in fish is particle size‐dependent
Microplastic retention time in fish was found to depend on particle size, with larger particles being evacuated more slowly than smaller ones, providing empirical data to interpret gut burden studies and better understand chronic exposure dynamics.
No evidence of microplastic impacts on consumption or growth of larval Pimephales promelas
This study found no evidence that microplastic polyethylene microspheres affected the feeding or growth of larval fathead minnows at the concentrations tested. The results suggest that not all microplastic exposures produce measurable harm in fish larvae, and that effect magnitude may depend strongly on particle concentration and type.
Uptake and depuration kinetics of microplastics with different polymer types and particle sizes in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Researchers studied the uptake and depuration kinetics of microplastics with different polymer types and sizes in Japanese medaka fish. They found that smaller particles accumulated more readily in fish tissues and were retained longer than larger ones, with particle distribution varying by organ. The study provides important quantitative data on how microplastic characteristics influence their accumulation and clearance in fish, which is relevant to understanding food chain transfer.
Microplastics in freshwater fishes: Occurrence, impacts and future perspectives
This review synthesizes current knowledge about microplastic contamination in freshwater fish, which serve as important indicators of plastic pollution in rivers and lakes. Researchers found that microplastic ingestion patterns in fish are related to body size, feeding habits, and local urbanization levels, with controlled studies showing various effects on fish physiology and behavior. While fish can typically expel most microplastics quickly, certain particle shapes and sizes may remain in the body or cross into other organs through the intestinal wall.
Feeding type and development drive the ingestion of microplastics by freshwater invertebrates
Researchers exposed freshwater invertebrates with different feeding strategies to fluorescent polystyrene microplastics of various sizes and found that all species ingested particles in a concentration-dependent manner. Filter feeders like Daphnia magna consumed the most particles, while feeding type and developmental stage strongly influenced ingestion rates. The study suggests that feeding strategy is a key predictor of microplastic uptake in freshwater food webs, and that younger organisms may be more vulnerable.
Toxicological effects of irregularly shaped and spherical microplastics in a marine teleost, the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus)
Researchers compared the toxicological effects of irregularly shaped versus spherical microplastics on sheepshead minnows. Both types accumulated in the digestive system and caused intestinal distention, but irregularly shaped particles were more harmful, reducing swimming behavior more than spherical ones. The study highlights that the shape of microplastic particles matters for toxicity assessments, and commonly used uniform spheres may underestimate real-world risks.
Uptake, removal and trophic transfer of fluorescent polyethylene microplastics by freshwater model organisms: the impact of particle size and food availability
Researchers used fluorescent polyethylene microplastics of different sizes to track how they move through a freshwater food chain from algae to water fleas to zebrafish. They found that smaller particles were ingested and transferred more readily between organisms, and that food availability influenced how many microplastics accumulated. The study demonstrates that microplastics can move up the food chain and that particle size plays a key role in how they are transported through aquatic ecosystems.
Ingestion and egestion of polyethylene microplastics by goldfish (Carassius auratus): influence of color and morphological features
Researchers studied how goldfish ingest and expel polyethylene microplastics of different colors, shapes, and sizes. They found that fish ingested more green and black particles than other colors, preferred film-shaped plastics over fragments, and rejected particles larger than 2 mm. Most ingested microplastics were expelled within 72 hours, though filament-shaped plastics took the longest to pass through.
Ingestion of microplastics by silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) larvae: Quantification of ingestion and assessment of microbiota dysbiosis
Researchers quantitatively investigated how silver carp larvae ingest, accumulate, and excrete microplastics of different sizes for the first time. The study found that smaller microplastics were ingested more readily and excreted quickly, while larger particles tended to accumulate in the intestine, and the presence of food increased uptake of large microplastics. The ingested microplastics also altered intestinal microflora diversity, potentially affecting immune and metabolic functions in the fish.
Determination of the gut retention of plastic microbeads and microfibers in goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Goldfish fed microbeads and microfibers from consumer products retained the fibers in their guts far longer than the smooth spherical beads, which were quickly egested. The findings suggest that fiber-shaped microplastics pose a greater retention risk than bead-shaped particles, with potential implications for toxicity and tissue accumulation in fish.
Size dependent ingestion and effects of microplastics on survivability, hematology and intestinal histopathology of juvenile striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)
Juvenile striped catfish exposed to different sizes of polyamide microplastics showed that smaller particles caused more damage than larger ones. The smaller microplastics led to greater reductions in growth, more severe changes in blood chemistry, and worse intestinal tissue damage. This size-dependent toxicity is important because as plastics break down in the environment they produce smaller particles that appear to be more harmful to aquatic organisms in the food chain.
Ingestion of small-sized and irregularly shaped polyethylene microplastics affect Chironomus riparius life-history traits
Researchers exposed freshwater midge larvae to irregularly shaped polyethylene microplastics of different size classes and found that larvae preferentially ingested the smallest particles (32-63 micrometers) regardless of what sizes were available. Ingestion of these small particles significantly reduced larval growth and delayed adult emergence at relatively low concentrations. The findings suggest that small, irregularly shaped microplastics, which are the most common form in natural sediments, may pose a greater risk to benthic organisms than larger particles.
Fish size influences microplastic occurrence in target organs
Researchers examined whether fish body size affects microplastic occurrence in target organs, moving beyond gut content analysis to assess systemic tissue contamination. Larger fish contained more microplastics in their organs than smaller fish, suggesting size-dependent differences in cumulative lifetime exposure.
Assessing the size-dependent effects of microplastics on zebrafish larvae through fish lateral line system and gut damage
Researchers exposed zebrafish larvae to high-density polyethylene microplastics in three size categories and assessed their effects on the fish sensory system and gut. They found that larger particles caused the most damage to the lateral line sensory system, while particles smaller than 100 micrometers were ingested and caused gastrointestinal tract changes. All sizes of microplastics altered larval swimming behavior, with distinct patterns depending on particle size.
Ingestion and retention of biodegradable vs. non-biodegradable microplastics in a tropical coral reef fish: The role of chemical and physical characteristics
Researchers examined how biodegradable versus non-biodegradable microplastics are ingested and retained by juvenile tropical reef fish. The study measured how polymer type, particle shape, size, and color influenced ingestion preferences and gastrointestinal transit time. The dataset provides detailed experimental measurements that help clarify which physical and chemical characteristics of microplastics drive their uptake by marine fish.
Differentiation in the expression of toxic effects of polyethylene-microplastics on two freshwater fish species: Size matters
Researchers exposed zebrafish and perch to two sizes of polyethylene microplastics for 21 days and found that smaller particles were more toxic, accumulating primarily in the liver while larger ones concentrated in the gills. Both sizes triggered oxidative stress, DNA damage, and activated cell death pathways in both species. The study demonstrates that microplastic particle size is a key factor in determining where the particles end up in fish tissues and how severely they cause harm.
Accumulation kinetics of polystyrene nano- and microplastics in the waterflea Daphnia magna and trophic transfer to the mysid Limnomysis benedeni
Researchers investigated the accumulation kinetics of polystyrene particles ranging from 26 nm to 4800 nm in Daphnia magna and their subsequent transfer to the mysid Limnomysis benedeni. Smaller particles accumulated more efficiently in Daphnia, and trophic transfer to mysids was demonstrated, confirming that nano- and microplastics move through aquatic food chains with size-dependent efficiency.
Ingestion and effects of virgin polyamide microplastics on Chironomus riparius adult larvae and adult zebrafish Danio rerio
Scientists fed polyamide microplastics to Chironomus riparius larvae and adult zebrafish, finding ingestion in both species, with larger particles retained in fish intestines and both species showing signs of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Microplastic Particle Size Effects in Fish and Shellfish: A Review on Feeding, Digestion, Bioaccumulation, and Seafood Safety Risks
This review examines how microplastic particle size determines ingestion rates, tissue penetration, bioaccumulation, and seafood safety risks in fish and shellfish, with nanoplastics identified as the most concerning size class due to their ability to cross epithelial barriers and accumulate in internal organs.
Translocation, trophic transfer, accumulation and depuration of polystyrene microplastics in Daphnia magna and Pimephales promelas
Researchers studied the trophic transfer of polystyrene microplastics from water fleas (Daphnia magna) to fathead minnows to understand how plastics move through freshwater food chains. Microplastic particles were found only in the gastrointestinal tract of both species with no evidence of tissue translocation, and both species were able to depurate particles after exposure ended. The study found that bioaccumulation factors were low, suggesting limited buildup potential through this particular food chain pathway.
Ingestion of micro- and nanoplastics in Daphnia magna – Quantification of body burdens and assessment of feeding rates and reproduction
Researchers used a quantitative approach to measure how the water flea Daphnia magna ingests and excretes micro- and nanoplastic particles of different sizes. They found that larger 2-micrometer particles were ingested in greater mass than 100-nanometer particles, and that complete excretion did not occur within 24 hours. Chronic exposure reduced feeding rates and reproduction, suggesting that ongoing microplastic exposure could have meaningful ecological consequences for these important freshwater organisms.
Species-specific effect of microplastics on fish embryos and observation of toxicity kinetics in larvae
Researchers compared microplastic ingestion across three commercial fish species with different feeding types (carnivores, omnivores, filter feeders), finding that carnivores ingested the least microplastic while omnivores were less able to eliminate them than filter feeders.
Size-dependent adverse effects of microplastics on intestinal microbiota and metabolic homeostasis in the marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)
Researchers exposed marine medaka fish to different sizes of polystyrene microplastics for 60 days and found that particle size was a key factor in determining health effects. Larger particles (200 micrometers) caused weight gain and fat accumulation, while smaller particles (2 and 10 micrometers) led to liver inflammation and damage. The study also revealed that microplastics disrupted the balance of gut bacteria, particularly with larger particle exposure.
Ingestion and Egestion of Microplastics by the Cladoceran Daphnia magna: Effects of Regular and Irregular Shaped Plastic and Sorbed Phenanthrene
Researchers studied how the water flea Daphnia magna ingests and excretes polyethylene microplastics of different shapes and sizes. They found that irregular-shaped fragments were ingested differently than regular beads, and that neither type caused acute mortality at tested concentrations — but the study raises questions about chronic effects in this key freshwater species.