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Microplastic ingestion induces behavioral disorders in mice: A preliminary study on the trophic transfer effects via
Amanda Pereira da Costa Araújo1, Guilherme Malafaia1
1Biological Research Laboratory, Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil.
Abstract:
In this study, the hypothesis that polyethylene microplastics (MPs) can accumulate in animals, reach the upper trophic level and trigger behavioral changes was tested. Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles were exposed to MPs (for 7 days) and fed on tambatinga fish for the same period. Subsequently, these fish were given as food to Swiss mice. The MP amount in animals' liver was quantified and results have evidenced its accumulation at all assessed trophic levels [tadpole: 18,201.9 particles/g; fish: 1.26 particles/g; mice receiving tambatingas who had fed on tadpoles exposed to MPs: 57.07 particles/g and mice receiving water added with MPs: 89.12 particles/g). Such accumulation in the last group was associated with shorter traveled distance, slower locomotion speed and higher anxiety index in the open field test. Mice receiving tambatingas who had fed on tadpoles exposed to MPs were confronted to a potential predator and showed responses similar to those of animals who had ingested water added with MPs (lack of defensive social aggregation and reduced risk assessment behavior). Thus, results have preliminarily confirmed the initial hypothesis about how MPs in water can reach terrestrial trophic levels and have negative impact on the survival of these animals.
Insights
Polyethylene microplastics (MPs) accumulate in tadpoles, fish, and mice, impacting their behavior and survival. This study shows MPs transfer through food chains, affecting terrestrial animals and potentially their ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Zoology
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing environmental concern.
- Understanding MP trophic transfer and ecological impacts is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate polyethylene MP accumulation in a food chain.
- To assess MP-induced behavioral changes in terrestrial animals.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles to MPs.
- Feeding tadpoles to tambatinga fish, then feeding fish to Swiss mice.
- Quantification of MP accumulation in liver tissues.
- Behavioral testing (open field test, predator confrontation).
Main Results:
- MPs accumulated across all trophic levels: tadpoles (18,201.9 particles/g), fish (1.26 particles/g), and mice (57.07-89.12 particles/g).
- MP-exposed mice exhibited reduced locomotion, increased anxiety, and impaired defensive behaviors.
- Behavioral changes in mice mirrored those exposed directly to MPs in water.
Conclusions:
- Polyethylene MPs transfer through aquatic-to-terrestrial food chains.
- MP accumulation can significantly alter animal behavior and survival instincts.
- Findings confirm MPs pose a risk to higher trophic levels and ecosystem health.
