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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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Female zebrafish are more affected than males under polystyrene microplastics exposure
Di Wu1, Laura Carter2, Paul Kay2
1State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; water@leeds, School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|November 24, 2024
Summary
Polystyrene microplastics pose risks to fish health, with female zebrafish showing greater susceptibility. These microplastics disrupt gut microbiota and metabolism, impacting reproduction and indicating gender-specific toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Aquatic Toxicology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastics are pervasive environmental contaminants found in freshwater ecosystems.
- Fish are susceptible to microplastic ingestion, accumulation, and potential health impacts, including endocrine disruption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the health effects of polystyrene (PS) microplastics on zebrafish.
- To assess microplastic accumulation, gut health, oxidative stress, metabolism, and reproductive outcomes.
- To determine if microplastic toxicity exhibits gender-specific effects.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish were exposed to polystyrene microplastics.
- Measurements included skin mucus, gut integrity, oxidative stress biomarkers, stable isotopes, and reproductive parameters.
- Metabolomics analysis was employed to assess changes in metabolites.
Main Results:
- PS microplastic concentrations were higher in gills than in the gut.
- Minimal impact on skin mucus immunity (immunoglobulin M, lysozyme activity) suggested toxicity primarily from ingestion.
- Female zebrafish exhibited greater sensitivity, with induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, altered hepatic lipid/energy metabolism, sex steroid hormone disruption, and reduced egg production.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene microplastics exhibit gender-specific toxicity in zebrafish.
- Ingestion, rather than skin mucus disruption, is the primary route of toxicity.
- Observed effects on gut microbiota and hepatic metabolism in females may underlie reproductive impairment and hormone disruption, posing a potential threat to fish populations.
