Microplastic toxicity in shrimp: From mechanistic pathways to ecological implications.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecotoxicology
• Marine Biology

Background:

• Microplastic pollution is a global environmental issue impacting aquatic ecosystems.
• Shrimp are ecologically and commercially significant, serving as both benthic organisms and a food source.
• Understanding microplastic toxicity in shrimp is crucial for ecosystem integrity and food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and evaluate studies on microplastic toxicity and bioaccumulation in shrimp.
• To identify mechanistic pathways linking microplastic characteristics to biological responses.
• To assess the ecological risks and implications for seafood safety.

Main Methods:

• Systematic synthesis and critical evaluation of 94 studies published between 2016 and 2025.
• Analysis of mechanistic pathways connecting particle properties (size, shape, polymer type, surface functionalization) to biological effects.
• Review of multi-omics and biochemical data to understand toxicological cascades.

Main Results:

• Microplastic toxicity and bioaccumulation in shrimp are dependent on particle characteristics.
• Observed effects include organ-specific injuries (hepatopancreas, gills, gut, gonads) and physiological disruptions.
• Core mechanistic pathways involve oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, apoptosis, metabolic disturbance, and neurotoxicity, leading to growth inhibition and potential reproductive impairment.

Conclusions:

• Current microplastic exposure levels pose tangible ecological risks to shrimp populations.
• Shrimp serve as effective bioindicators for monitoring microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.
• The review provides a framework for risk assessment and informs management strategies for mitigating microplastic impacts.