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Oxidative stress and histopathological effects by microplastic beads, in the crayfish Procambarus clarkii, and
G R Silveyra1, P Silveyra2, M Brown3
1Dept. of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, FCEN, University of Buenos Aires, Institute of Biodiversity, Experimental and Applied Biology (IBBEA), CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, Pab. II, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
The present study was aimed at evaluating the in vivo effects of microplastics (MP), in terms of oxidative stress and histopathological effects, in two crustacean species: Procambarus clarkii and Leptuca pugilator. In addition, MP accumulation in the hepatopancreas (HP) of both species was also determined. Adults of both crayfish and crabs were exposed for one month to fluorescent polystyrene beads (size: 1 μm) at nominal concentrations of 1000 or 5000 particles/mL. During the exposure, animals were maintained under controlled feeding, aeration, temperature, and photoperiod conditions. At the end of the exposure, HP and hemolymph (HL) samples were harvested for analysis of oxidative damage and total antioxidant levels. Additionally, the presence of MPs in both tissues was confirmed. Significant differences with the control groups were observed in lipid peroxidation levels in HP in animals exposed to the lowest concentration in P. clarkii and to the highest concentration in L. pugilator. A marked increase in antioxidant levels was also observed in the HL at both concentrations in P. clarkii, and at the highest MPs concentration in L. pugilator. Moreover, several histopathological changes were detected in both gills and HP, including hypertrophied lamellae, lifting or collapse of gill epithelia, loss of normal shape of hepatopancreatic tubules, and epithelial atrophy in the HP tissue. We conclude that exposure to MP beads at selected concentrations results in oxidative damage, induces histopathological changes in gills and HP, and triggers an antioxidant response in two crustacean species.
Insights
Microplastics (MP) cause oxidative stress and tissue damage in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and crabs (Leptuca pugilator). Exposure led to significant changes in hepatopancreas and gills, triggering antioxidant responses.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Marine Biology
- Crustacean Physiology
Background:
- Microplastics (MP) are emerging environmental contaminants.
- Crustaceans are vital components of aquatic ecosystems and can be exposed to MPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo effects of microplastic exposure on oxidative stress and histopathology in Procambarus clarkii and Leptuca pugilator.
- To determine microplastic accumulation in the hepatopancreas of exposed crustaceans.
Main Methods:
- Adult P. clarkii and L. pugilator were exposed to 1 µm fluorescent polystyrene beads at 1000 or 5000 particles/mL for one month.
- Hepatopancreas and hemolymph samples were analyzed for oxidative damage and antioxidant levels.
- Histopathological examination of gills and hepatopancreas was performed.
Main Results:
- Increased lipid peroxidation in the hepatopancreas of P. clarkii (low MP concentration) and L. pugilator (high MP concentration).
- Elevated antioxidant levels in hemolymph of P. clarkii (both concentrations) and L. pugilator (high MP concentration).
- Significant histopathological alterations observed in gills and hepatopancreas, including epithelial damage and tubule abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Microplastic exposure induces oxidative stress and histopathological damage in P. clarkii and L. pugilator.
- Crustaceans exhibit an antioxidant response to microplastic exposure.
- The study highlights the potential ecological risks of microplastic pollution to aquatic invertebrates.
