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Published on: March 16, 2014
Dietary Microplastics are Eliminated Through Feces, Causing Metabolic Impairment in the Marine Amphipod Parhyale
Karina Gisel Hernández-Peralta1, Jorge Arturo Vargas-Abúndez2, Mitzi Yanin Ayala-Campos3,4
1Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Biológia Campus III, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico.
Abstract:
The toxicity of microplastics (MPs) can vary depending on the route of exposure, yet the effects of dietary exposure remain poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of chronic dietary exposure to MPs on the marine amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis (Dana, 1853) over 35 days. Amphipods were exposed to 53-63 µm polyethylene microspheres (18 ± 4 MPs per food unit) through their diet. We assessed survival, reproduction, molting frequency, condition factor, oxygen consumption, MP accumulation, and fecal elimination. P. hawaiensis readily ingested and excreted MPs via feces. Exposure to MPs significantly increased oxygen consumption in exposed individuals (0.21 ± 0.053 mg O2/g/h) compared to controls (0.12 ± 0.07 mg O2/g/h), suggesting elevated metabolic costs potentially associated with MP processing and elimination. Despite this physiological stress, no significant effects on reproduction or growth were observed. These results indicate that, although ingested MPs can be eliminated through feces, their presence may still impose sublethal metabolic stress on marine detritivores.
Insights
Marine amphipods exposed to microplastics (MPs) via diet showed increased oxygen consumption, indicating metabolic stress. However, no significant impacts on reproduction or growth were observed in this 35-day study.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Ecotoxicology
- Environmental science
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) toxicity varies with exposure route, but dietary effects are understudied.
- Marine detritivores like amphipods are susceptible to ingesting MPs from contaminated food sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chronic effects of dietary microplastic exposure on the marine amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis.
- To assess survival, reproduction, growth, and physiological responses to microplastic ingestion.
Main Methods:
- Parhyale hawaiensis were fed polyethylene microspheres (53-63 µm) for 35 days.
- Evaluated survival, reproduction, molting, condition factor, oxygen consumption, MP accumulation, and fecal elimination.
- Compared exposed individuals to a control group without microplastic exposure.
Main Results:
- Amphipods ingested and excreted microplastics via feces.
- Microplastic exposure significantly increased oxygen consumption, suggesting elevated metabolic costs (0.21±0.053 mg O2/g/h vs 0.12±0.07 mg O2/g/h in controls).
- No significant effects on survival, reproduction, or growth were detected.
Conclusions:
- Dietary microplastics can be eliminated by marine detritivores through fecal matter.
- Ingested microplastics impose sublethal metabolic stress on Parhyale hawaiensis, despite efficient excretion.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term ecological implications of microplastic-induced metabolic costs in marine food webs.
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