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Accumulation and Distribution of Fluorescent Microplastics in the Early Life Stages of Zebrafish
Published on: July 4, 2021
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Zebrafish: An emerging model to study microplastic and nanoplastic toxicity
Jacky Bhagat1, Liqing Zang1, Norihiro Nishimura1
1Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Mie University Zebrafish Drug Screening Center, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
The Science of the Total Environment
|May 4, 2020
Summary
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pose environmental risks, but their effects are not fully understood. Zebrafish offer a powerful model to study MP/NP bioaccumulation and toxicity, guiding future research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Aquatic Biology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Their bioaccumulation, toxicity, and interactions with other pollutants require further investigation.
- Zebrafish are emerging as a valuable model organism for studying environmental contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on MPs and NPs using zebrafish.
- To highlight the advantages of zebrafish in MP/NP toxicity studies.
- To propose future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MPs/NPs in zebrafish.
- Analysis of zebrafish model advantages (transparency, genetics, throughput).
- Synthesis of current understanding and identification of knowledge gaps.
Main Results:
- Zebrafish facilitate the study of MP/NP localization and toxicity.
- Transgenic lines and advanced techniques enhance MP/NP research in zebrafish.
- Existing literature demonstrates the utility of zebrafish for MP/NP assessment.
Conclusions:
- Zebrafish provide a robust platform for investigating MP/NP bioaccumulation and toxicity.
- Further research using zebrafish is crucial to understand the risks of MPs and NPs.
- This review outlines a roadmap for future MP/NP research in aquatic models.
