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An ecotoxicological risk model for the microplastics in arctic waters
Mohammad Sadiq Saeed1, Syeda Zohra Halim2, Faisal Fahd3
1Centre for Risk, Integrity, and Safety Engineering (C-RISE), Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, Memorial University, St John's, NL, A1B 3X5, Canada; Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC), Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
Microplastics pose an unknown risk to Arctic marine life. This study introduces a novel ecotoxicity model using oxidative stress to assess cell mortality and evaluate microplastic risks in polar cod.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastic risks to Arctic marine life are poorly understood.
- Limited data exists on dose-response relationships due to unique Arctic conditions and species physiology.
- Microplastic properties and distribution in the Arctic add complexity to risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the knowledge gap regarding microplastic ecotoxicity in the Arctic.
- To propose a novel, comprehensive ecotoxicity model for assessing microplastic risks.
- To enhance the understanding of microplastic cytotoxicity in polar cod.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel ecotoxicity model based on oxidative stress and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
- Utilized cell mortality as a key indicator of ecological risk.
- Implemented the model within a Bayesian Network (BN) framework to quantify cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- The model successfully evaluates the cytotoxicity of microplastics.
- Cytotoxicity was measured as the probability of causing cell mortality.
- The study provides a quantitative assessment of microplastic-induced risks in polar cod.
Conclusions:
- The developed Bayesian Network model offers a comprehensive approach to assessing microplastic ecotoxicity.
- This research improves the understanding of microplastic-induced oxidative stress and cell mortality in Arctic species.
- The findings contribute to a better evaluation of ecological risks posed by microplastics in the Arctic polar cod population.
