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Accumulation and Distribution of Fluorescent Microplastics in the Early Life Stages of Zebrafish
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Microplastics exacerbate virus-mediated mortality in fish.

Meredith Evans Seeley1, Robert C Hale1, Patty Zwollo2

  • 1Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, United States of America.

The Science of the Total Environment
|January 2, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Microplastics, especially microfibers, significantly increase fish mortality when combined with viral infections. This study highlights the synergistic impact of microplastics and pathogens on aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords:
AquacultureCo-stressorMicrofiberMicroplasticsRainbow troutVirus

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Aquatic Toxicology
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Microplastics pose a growing environmental threat.
  • Interactions between microplastics and other environmental stressors are poorly understood.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the impact of microplastics on disease dynamics in aquatic organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of microplastics on virus-induced mortality in salmonid fish.
  • To compare the effects of microplastics, microfibers, and natural microparticles in conjunction with viral exposure.
  • To explore the relationship between microplastic exposure, host response, and disease transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Salmonid fish were exposed to a virus, microplastics (including microfibers), and natural microparticles, both individually and in combination.
  • Mortality rates, viral load, gill inflammation, immune responses, and transmission potential were assessed.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significance of observed effects.

Main Results:

  • Microplastics and microparticles alone did not cause mortality.
  • Co-exposure to virus and microplastics, particularly microfibers, resulted in significantly higher mortality compared to virus alone.
  • Increased mortality correlated with higher host viral load, mild gill inflammation, altered immune responses, and enhanced transmission potential.

Conclusions:

  • Microplastics, unlike natural microparticles, can exacerbate virus-induced mortality in fish.
  • Microplastics may compromise host defenses, facilitating pathogen entry and increasing disease severity.
  • Further research is crucial to understand the mechanisms underlying microplastic-pathogen interactions and their ecological implications.