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Updated: May 7, 2026
Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
Length-dependent impacts of fibrous microplastics on Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) determined using
1Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
This study investigated the molecular effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfibers (MFs) on Penaeus vannamei, focusing on the length-dependent toxicological mechanisms. We exposed the shrimp to short (PETS, 240.55 μm) and long (PET-L, 2357.96 μm) PET MFs and analyzed the changes in transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles. PET-S posed greater risks than PET-L, leading to oxidative stress, disruption in nucleotide metabolism, and alterations in gene expression related to metabolic processes, including RNA methylation and purine metabolism. Conversely, PET-L caused abnormalities in intracellular signaling pathways and metabolic functions, including the downregulation of fatty acid oxidation and membrane transfer. Both PET-S and PET-L exposure impaired cellular functions, such as energy production and signal transduction. This multi-omics study highlights the toxicological mechanisms associated with PET MF exposure in a socioeconomically important marine organism.
Insights
Short polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfibers (MFs) caused greater harm than long MFs to shrimp, inducing oxidative stress and disrupting metabolism. This research reveals PET MF toxicity mechanisms in marine life.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Marine biology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfibers (MFs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Understanding the toxicological effects of MFs on marine organisms is crucial for ecosystem health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the length-dependent molecular toxicological mechanisms of PET MFs in Penaeus vannamei.
- To analyze transcriptomic and metabolomic changes induced by short (PET-S) and long (PET-L) PET MFs.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Penaeus vannamei to defined lengths of PET microfibers (PET-S: 240.55 μm, PET-L: 2357.96 μm).
- Multi-omics analysis, including transcriptomics and metabolomics, to assess molecular responses.
- Evaluation of oxidative stress, metabolic pathways, and cellular functions.
Main Results:
- PET-S exposure led to significant oxidative stress, disrupted nucleotide metabolism, and altered gene expression in RNA methylation and purine metabolism.
- PET-L exposure resulted in abnormalities in intracellular signaling and metabolic functions, including downregulated fatty acid oxidation.
- Both PET-S and PET-L impaired critical cellular functions like energy production and signal transduction.
Conclusions:
- PET microfibers exhibit length-dependent toxicity in Penaeus vannamei.
- Molecular mechanisms involve oxidative stress, metabolic disruption, and impaired cellular functions.
- This study provides insights into the ecotoxicological impact of PET MFs on marine invertebrates.
