Effects of functionalized nanoplastics on oxidative stress in the mussel Mytilus coruscus

In the marine environment, various weathering effects on micro or nanoplastics lead to surface modifications, which in turn alter their toxic effects on aquatic organisms. This study investigated the impact of three types of nanoplastics (NPs, NPs-NH₂, NPs-COOH) on the antioxidant capacity of Mytilus coruscus gills, mantle, and hemolymph over 28 days. Analyzed key antioxidant stress indicators (CAT, SOD, GSH, GSH-Px, MDA, H₂O₂) and conducted IBR and PCA analyses to evaluate the toxic effects of modified nanoplastics. In particular, NPs-NH₂ showed the most significant inhibition of antioxidant enzymes like CAT and GSH-Px in gills and mantle, while NPs-COOH affected a wider range of oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, tissue-specific responses were observed, with gills being the most sensitive to biomarker changes. Overall, NPs-NH₂ emerged as the most toxic nanoplastic, highlighting the need to assess ecological risks associated with novel nanoparticles in marine environments and offering insights into tissue-specific toxicity in mussels.