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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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Diel Pattern of Microplastic Residues in Zebrafish
Cuizhu Ma1, Qiqing Chen1, Zhuo Gao1
1State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|October 28, 2023
Summary
Microplastic (MP) residues in zebrafish decrease during the dark period, not increase. Fish swimming speed correlates with MP retention, revealing a daily pattern in these emerging pollutants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Aquatic Ecology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants ingested by aquatic organisms.
- Understanding MP uptake and retention patterns over time, especially in fish, is limited.
- The influence of light/dark cycles on MP dynamics in aquatic life remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microplastic uptake and retention patterns in zebrafish over time.
- To examine the relationship between light/dark conditions and MP dynamics.
- To elucidate the kinetic process of small-sized plastic pollutant uptake, including during the dark period.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish were exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration of MPs (100 items/L).
- Samples were collected every 2 hours during both light and dark periods.
- MP residues in zebrafish were quantified, and swimming behavior was analyzed.
Main Results:
- MP residues in zebrafish decreased during the dark period, contrary to expectations.
- A significant light/dark variation was observed in MP retention rhythm and swimming behavior.
- A strong positive correlation exists between zebrafish swimming speed and gastrointestinal MP load.
Conclusions:
- Fibrous MP residues in fish exhibit a distinct diel pattern.
- Fish swimming behavior is linked to the dynamic residual process of microplastics.
- Further circadian toxicokinetic studies are needed for accurate particle pollutant risk assessment.
