Cited by 766Microplastics and Plastic PollutionEnvironmental Toxicology and EcotoxicologyMercury impact and mitigation studies

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Microplastics cause neurotoxicity, oxidative damage and energy-related changes and interact with the bioaccumulation of mercury in the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758)

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Barboza, Luís Gabriel Antão, Vieira, Luís Russo, Branco, Vasco, Figueiredo, Neusa, Carvalho, Felix, Carvalho, Cristina, Guilhermino, Lúcia·2018·Aquatic Toxicology

DOI 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.12.008

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Abstract

Microplastics pollution is a global paradigm that raises concern in relation to environmental and human health. This study investigated toxic effects of microplastics and mercury in the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), a marine fish widely used as food for humans. A short-term (96 h) laboratory bioassay was done by exposing juvenile fish to microplastics (0.26 and 0.69 mg/L), mercury (0.010 and 0.016 mg/L) and binary mixtures of the two substances using the same concentrations, through test media. Microplastics alone and mercury alone caused neurotoxicity through acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, increased lipid oxidation (LPO) in brain and muscle, and changed the activities of the energy-related enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH). All the mixtures caused significant inhibition of brain AChE activity (64-76%), and significant increase of LPO levels in brain (2.9-3.4 fold) and muscle (2.2-2.9 fold) but not in a concentration-dependent manner; mixtures containing low and high concentrations of microplastics caused different effects on IDH and LDH activity. Mercury was found to accumulate in the brain and muscle, with bioaccumulation factors of 4-7 and 25-40, respectively. Moreover, in the analysis of mercury concentrations in both tissues, a significant interaction between mercury and microplastics was found. The decay of mercury in the water increased with microplastics concentration, and was higher in the presence of fish than in their absence. Overall, these results indicate that: microplastics influence the bioaccumulation of mercury by D. labrax juveniles; microplastics, mercury and their mixtures (ppb range concentrations) cause neurotoxicity, oxidative stress and damage, and changes in the activities of energy-related enzymes in juveniles of this species; mixtures with the lowest and highest concentrations of their components induced different effects on some biomarkers. These findings and other published in the literature raise concern regarding high level predators and humans consuming fish being exposed to microplastics and heavy metals, and highlight the need of more research on the topic.

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Are microplastics a new cardiac threat? A pilot study with wild fish from the North East Atlantic Ocean
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Potential Risks of Microplastic Fomites to Aquatic Organisms with Special Emphasis on Polyethylene-Microplastic-Glyphosate Exposure Case in Aquacultured Shrimp
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Microplastic ingestion alters the expression of some sexually selected traits in a model fish guppy ( Poecilia reticulata Peters 1859)
Rahman, M. M., Ferdouse, Z., Nur, N., Islam, N., Rouf, M. A., Arafat, S. T., Rahman, S. M., & Rahman, M. M. (2022) · Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology · doi:10.1080/10236244.2022.2100772 · Cited by 16
“2014), while other studies have clearly demonstrated that microplastics can create oxidative stress (Alomar et al. 2017; Barboza et al. 2018) that influences the expression of color patterns in animals (Dijkstra et al.”
BackgroundInfluential
Preliminary investigation of polymer-based in situ passive samplers for mercury and methylmercury
Taylor, V. F., Buckman, K. L., & Burgess, R. M. (2019) · Chemosphere · doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.093 · Cited by 14
“One microcosm study suggested there was an interaction between microplastic and Hg effects on fish (Barboza et al., 2018).”
Background
Microplastic contamination on Cerithidea obtusa (Lamarck 1822) in Pangkal Babu Mangrove Forest Area, Tanjung Jabung Barat District, Jambi
Fitri, S. D., & Patria, M. P. (2019) · AIP conference proceedings · doi:10.1063/1.5132502 · Cited by 14
The impacts of microplastics on zebrafish behavior depend on initial personality state
Jabri, N. A., Abed, R. M. M., Al-Habsi, A. A., Al-Ansari, A., & Barry, M. J. (2024) · Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology · doi:10.1016/j.etap.2024.104561 · Cited by 19
Lycopene againsts the polystyrene microplastics-induced neurotoxicity via modulation of mTOR/Beclin-1 activities in adult male Wistar rats
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Microplastic pollution in Larimichthys polyactis in the coastal area of Jiangsu, China
Yuan, F., Ding, Y., Wang, Y., Yu, W., Zou, X., Chen, H., Fu, G., Ding, D., Tang, J., Tang, X., et al. (2021) · Marine Pollution Bulletin · doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113050 · Cited by 13
Combined toxic effects of cadmium and environmental microplastics in Aphanius fasciatus (Pisces, Cyprinodontidae)
Kessabi, K., Abbassi, A., Lahmar, S., Casado, M., Bannı, M., Piña, B., & Messaoudi, I. (2023) · Marine Environmental Research · doi:10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106071 · Cited by 13
Airborne microplastics and their impact on human health: A critical review
Zhang, Y., Kumar, P., Yuan, J., Haleem, N., Traub, J., Gu, Z., & Yang, X. (2025) · Journal of Environmental Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.jes.2025.06.047 · Cited by 14
Preventing Microplastic Pollution in Surface Waters: Legal Frameworks and Strategic Actions
Mahajan, M., Singh, M., Singh, R. P., Gupta, P. K., Singh, S., & Pratap, M. (2025) · Environmental Quality Management · doi:10.1002/tqem.70116 · Cited by 14
Global marine plastic pollution: Sources, distribution, implications on human health and mitigation strategies
Fulke, A. B., Bhanushali, S., & Jadhav, H. S. (2025) · Continental Shelf Research · doi:10.1016/j.csr.2025.105578 · Cited by 18
Mechanisms of microplastics sorption of antibiotics and impacts on aquatic ecosystems for sustainable development goals
Likpalimor, O. N., Zhang, S., Adagba, F. I., Fatoye, S., Adega, K. J., & Njue, J. (2025) · Discover Environment · doi:10.1007/s44274-025-00431-3 · Cited by 16
Overall effects of microplastics on brain
Fang, S.-J., Yin, Z.-D., Li, L., Cai, Q., Zheng, P.-F., & Chen, L. (2025) · Frontiers in Toxicology · doi:10.3389/ftox.2025.1619096 · Cited by 13
Unveiling the molecular mechanisms and developmental consequences of mercury (Hg) toxicity in zebrafish embryo-larvae: A comprehensive approach
Henriques, M. C., Carvalho, I., Santos, C. S. A., Herdeiro, M. T., Fardilha, M., Pavlaki, M. D., & Loureiro, S. (2023) · Neurotoxicology and Teratology · doi:10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107302 · Cited by 12
Uncovering the global status of plastic presence in marine chondrichthyans
Gong, Y., Gao, H., Guo, Z., Huang, X., Li, Y., Li, Z., Du, C., & Wu, F. (2024) · Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries · doi:10.1007/s11160-024-09877-9 · Cited by 12
“These ramifications encompass conditions like endocrine disorders, oxidative stress, neurotransmission dysfunction, and even genotoxic effects (Wright et al. 2013; Avio et al. 2015; Barboza et al. 2018).”
Spatial distribution characteristics, ecological risk assessment, and source analysis of heavy metals in surface sediment of a reservoir in northwest China
Xie, Y., Kong, M., He, F., Ying, R., & Long, T. (2025) · Ecological Indicators · doi:10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113110 · Cited by 12
Microplastic Contamination in Freshwater Fish: First Insights from Gelingüllü Reservoir (Türkiye)
Erdoğan, Ş. (2025) · Water Air & Soil Pollution · doi:10.1007/s11270-025-08037-4 · Cited by 12
“…food intake and foraging behaviours (De Sa et al., 2015), altered energy metabolism (lactate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase activity) (Barboza et al., 2018), reduced expression of steroidogenic enzymes (Jin et al., 2018), and increased levels of neurotransmitters along with increased…”
Mikroplastikler, Çevre-İnsan Sağlığı Üzerine Etkileri Ve Analiz Yöntemleri
Esmeray, E., & ARMUTCU, C. (2020) · Düzce Üniversitesi Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi · doi:10.29130/dubited.586453 · Cited by 15
Ecotoxicological tools in support of the aims of the European Water Framework Directive: A step towards a more holistic ecosystem-based approach
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A mixed method assessment of research productivity on microplastics in various compartments in the environment
Adeniji, A. O., Okaiyeto, K., Mohammed, J. N., Mabaleha, M., Tanor, E. B., & George, M. J. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology · doi:10.1007/s13762-023-04916-7 · Cited by 16
Effects of chronic co-exposure polystyrene nanoplastics and cadmium on liver function in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio)
Luo, M., Ding, Y., Zeng, H., Zhong, Y., Zhang, H., Chen, Y., Xu, X., & Wei, W. (2025) · Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety · doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118687 · Cited by 13
Selection of Suitable Methods for the Detection of Microplastics in the Environment
Prepilková, V., Poništ, J., Schwarz, M., & Bednárová, D. (2022) · Journal of Analytical Chemistry · doi:10.1134/s1061934822070127 · Cited by 11
B-esterases activities in several tissues of the marine fish: sea bass and hake, as potential biomarkers of bisphenol A derivatives
Solé, M., Omedes, S., Brandts, I., & Estévez, J. (2024) · Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment · doi:10.20517/jeea.2023.52 · Cited by 12
Combined effects of microplastics and benzo[a]pyrene on Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer growth and expression of functional genes
Ghasemi, A., & Shadi, A. (2024) · Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C Toxicology & Pharmacology · doi:10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109966 · Cited by 11
Effects of tire particles and associated-chemicals on the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) physiology, reproduction and next-generation
Bernardini, I., Tallec, K., Paul-Pont, I., Peruzza, L., Rovere, G. D., Matthias, H., Poi, C. D., Koechlin, H., Quéré, C., Quillien, V., et al. (2024) · Journal of Hazardous Materials · doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135742 · Cited by 11
Polystyrene nanoplastics induce apoptosis, histopathological damage, and glutathione metabolism disorder in the intestine of juvenile East Asian river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense)
Li, Y., Ye, Y., Zhu, X., Li, S., Rihan, N., Yao, Z., Sun, Z., Gao, P., Zhao, Y., & Lai, Q. (2024) · The Science of The Total Environment · doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176718 · Cited by 13
Methylmercury sorption to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers and relevance to environmental exposure
Sizmur, T. P., Frost, H., Felipe-Sotelo, M., Bond, T., Mallory, M. L., & O’Driscoll, N. J. (2025) · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry · doi:10.1093/etojnl/vgae067 · Cited by 11
Remediation strategies for micro/nanoplastic pollution using magnetic nanomaterials
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“This can greatly damage cellular processes such as DNA synthesis, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation (Barboza et al. 2018; Espinosa et al. 2019).”
Microplastics – Pollutants’ Interactions, Mechanisms, and Potential Toxicity
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Microplastic Exposure and the of Parkinson’s Disease
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The immunotoxicity mechanism of NH4Cl exposure to Litopenaeus vannamei based on the cerebral ganglion-eyestalk-haemocytes axis
Tong, R., Li, Y., Yu, X., Zhang, N., Liao, Q., & Pan, L. (2023) · The Science of The Total Environment · doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166876 · Cited by 11
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Zhao, S., Qian, J., Wang, P., Tang, S., Lu, B., He, Y., & Xu, K. (2023) · Water Air & Soil Pollution · doi:10.1007/s11270-023-06642-9 · Cited by 11
“, 2020), which leads to obstruction of neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and energy-related changes resulting in restricted growth and reproduction or even death (Barboza et al., 2018; Gao et al., 2022; Pannetier et al., 2020), thus destroying the balance of the aquatic ecosystem (Rakib et al.”
Background
Flow-dependent modulation of microplastic toxicity in grass carp: Insights from multi-level biological endpoints and machine learning
Rasta, M., Lashkaryan, N. S., Shi, X., Taleshi, M. S., Vayghan, A. H., Ahmadi, A., Kakakhel, M. A., Zahid, A., Jarf, M. P., Jia, M., et al. (2026) · Journal of Hazardous Materials · doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.141020 · Cited by 10
Presence of microplastics enhanced the toxicity of silver nanoparticles on the collembolan Folsomia candida
Ding, Y., Zheng, J.-T., Wang, Y.-N., Wu, D., & Zhu, D. (2024) · Chemosphere · doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143557 · Cited by 11
Ecotoxicological effects of microplastics and associated pollutants
de Araújo, F. V., Castro, R. O., da Silva, M. L., & Silva, M. M. (2021) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-821337-7.00009-8 · Cited by 10
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Transfer of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Nanoparticles from Parents to Offspring and the Protection Mechanism in Two Marine Invertebrates
Yip, Y. J., SIVANANTHAN, G. D. O., Lee, S. S. C., Neo, M. L., Teo, S. L., & Valiyaveettil, S. (2021) · ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering · doi:10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c01818 · Cited by 9
Response and adaptation mechanisms of Apostichopus japonicus to single and combined anthropogenic stresses of polystyrene microplastics or cadmium
Li, K., Wang, F., Liu, S., Cheng, X., Xu, J., Liu, X., & Zhang, L. (2024) · Marine Pollution Bulletin · doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116519 · Cited by 9
Polystyrene nanoparticles with different particle sizes cause autophagy by ROS/ERS/FOXO1 axis in the Cyprinus carpio kidney affecting immunological function
Guo, J., Yang, N., Wu, H., Miao, Z., Miao, Z., & Xu, S. (2024) · Fish & Shellfish Immunology · doi:10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109793 · Cited by 9

Authors: Barboza, L. G. A., Vieira, L. R., Branco, V., Figueiredo, N., Carvalho, F., Carvalho, C., & Guilhermino, L.
Affiliations: Ministry of Education (BR)
Universidade do Porto (PT)
University of Lisbon (PT)
Corresponding author: Barboza, Luís Gabriel Antão
ORCID: Barboza, Luís Gabriel Antão
Vieira, Luís Russo
Branco, Vasco
Figueiredo, Neusa
Carvalho, Cristina
Guilhermino, Lúcia
Venue: Aquatic Toxicology
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Published: 2018-02
Volume: 195
Pages: 49-57
ISSN: 0166-445X (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.12.008
OpenAlex: W2779948902
Cited by: 766
References: 74
Citations by year: 2026: 72 · 2025: 97 · 2024: 108 · 2023: 109 · 2022: 129 · 2021: 104 · 2020: 85 · 2019: 44 · 2018: 18
FWCI: 18.10
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: hybrid
doi.org
Licence: cc-by-nc-nd
www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ (vor)
Locations: Aquatic Toxicology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
European Regional Development Fund
Topics: Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Mercury impact and mitigation studies
Keywords: microplastics, mercury, Dicentrarchus labrax, neurotoxicity, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, energy metabolism enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, bioaccumulation, mercury bioaccumulation, heavy metals, marine fish
MeSH terms: Animals, Bass, Biological Assay, Brain, Energy Metabolism, Environmental Monitoring, Humans, Mercury, Plastics, Water Pollutants, Chemical, Biomarkers, Oxidative Stress

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Microplastics cause neurotoxicity, oxidative damage and energy-related changes and interact with the bioaccumulation of mercury in the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758)

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