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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“Accord-ingly, various studies have reported changes in gene expression and neurotransmitter levels in the brains of fish exposed to microplastics (Barboza et al., 2018, 2023; Ding et al., 2023; Hoyo-Alvarez et al., 2022; Huang et al., 2023).”
Impacts of Plastic Leachate on Life Traits of Micro-Crustacean Across Two Generations
Dao, T., Phan, Q.-H., Vo, T., & Le, T. T. Y. (2022) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-90549-1_20 · Cited by 1
The Classification, Related Hazards and Biomarkers of Particulate Matter
Zhang, B., & Wu, X. (2023) · Applied Medical Research · doi:10.47363/amr/2023(10)226
Reproductive Toxicity of Chronic Exposure To Polystyrene Microplastics And The Molecular Mechanism of Decrease In Testosterone Levels In Male MicePreprint
Jin, H., Yan, M., Pan, C., Liu, Z., Sha, X., Jiang, C., Li, L., Pan, M., Li, D., Han, X., et al. (2021) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-689230/v1 · Cited by 1
Ecological Exposure and Effects of Microplastics in Crabs Along the Pacific Coast
Horn, D. A. (2021) · PDXScholar (Portland State University) · doi:10.15760/etd.7724 · Cited by 1
Polystyrene nanoplastic exposure enhances LPS-induced lung inflammation in mice by inducing M1 polarization of macrophages via ROS/JAK/STAT signaling pathwayPreprint
Fan, X., Xu, T., Peng, L., Tang, X., Chi, Q., Li, Z., Shi, G., & Li, S. (2022) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1907903/v1 · Cited by 1
Identification of Micro- and Submicron (Nano) Plastics in Water Sources and the Impact of COVID-19 on Plastic Pollution
Delgado-Gallardo, J. (2023) · Cronfa (Swansea University) · doi:10.23889/suthesis.63499 · Cited by 1
Bioaccumulation and Maternal Transfer of Mercury in Sharks off the Southeastern United States and in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Ketchum, J. R. (2021)
Impacts of Microplastics on the Hydrosphere (Aquatic Environment)
Zehra, A., Krishna, K., Pandey, N., & Anbumani, S. (2022) · Advances in human services and public health (AHSPH) book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-9723-1.ch010
Peer Review #1 of "Harmful effects of the microplastic pollution on animal health: a literature review (v0.1)"
(2022) · PeerJ · doi:10.7287/peerj.13503v0.1/reviews/1
Peer Review #3 of "Harmful effects of the microplastic pollution on animal health: a literature review (v0.1)"
(2022) · PeerJ · doi:10.7287/peerj.13503v0.1/reviews/3
Peer Review #1 of "Harmful effects of the microplastic pollution on animal health: a literature review (v0.2)"
(2022) · PeerJ · doi:10.7287/peerj.13503v0.2/reviews/1
Peer Review #2 of "Harmful effects of the microplastic pollution on animal health: a literature review (v0.1)"
(2022) · PeerJ · doi:10.7287/peerj.13503v0.1/reviews/2
Peer Review #3 of "Harmful effects of the microplastic pollution on animal health: a literature review (v0.2)"
(2022) · PeerJ · doi:10.7287/peerj.13503v0.2/reviews/3
Accumulation and Distribution of Nanoplastics in Zacco Platypus: Effects on Behavior and ToxicityPreprint
Choi, J., Choi, Y., & Kim, S. D. (2022) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.4177783
Propuesta metodológica para la evaluación de la toxicidad de microplásticos en ambientes acuáticos
Pérez‐Aragón, B. (2022) · doi:10.24275/uama.6734.8736
RESEARCH ON MICROPLASTICS (MPS) IN INDONESIA: BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS 2011-2022 AS SUSTAINABLE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Ulfadillah, S. A., Sari, Y. P., Listari, R. P., Vandana, E., & Wilopo, M. D. (2022) · Indonesian Scholars Scientific Summit Taiwan Proceeding · doi:10.52162/4.2022157
“In addition, a number of studies [6-7] have indicated that marine MPs may be ingested by humans through the ingestion of MPs-contaminated seafood, posing a grave concern to human health.”
Background
Particles and fibers
Zeliger, H. I. (2022) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-91890-9.00007-6
Microplásticos en sedimentos costeros y marinos del litoral de la Región de Murcia y en dorada (Sparus aurata) como especie de interés comercial
Rojo, D. (2023) · doi:10.31428/10317/12361
Uptake of Nanoplastic Particles by Zebrafish Embryos Triggers the Macrophage Response at Early Developmental StagePreprint
Martin, L. M. A., Marbach, S., Zimba, P. V., Liu, Q., & Xu, W. (2023) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.4463193
Body Distribution and Ecotoxicological Effect of Nano Size Plastics in Freshwater Fish, Zacco PlatypusPreprint
Choi, J., Choi, Y., & Kim, S. D. (2023) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.4463052
Los microplásticos en el entorno acuático: Un vistazo a la cinética, mecanismo de degradación, impacto ambiental y en la salud humana
Cuadra, V., Lezcano, R. E., Bayard, C., Villarreal, J., Robinson‐Duggon, J., & Miranda, M. L. (2023) · Vida Natural · doi:10.59722/vn.v1i1.612
Uptake of Nanoplastic Particles by Zebrafish Embryos Triggers the Macrophage Response at Early Developmental StagePreprint
Martin, L. M. A., Marbach, S., Zimba, P. V., Liu, Q., & Xu, W. (2023) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.4500254
Decision: Environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution — R1/PR9
(2023) · Cambridge Prisms Plastics · doi:10.1017/plc.2023.9.pr9
Review: Environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution — R1/PR7
(2023) · Cambridge Prisms Plastics · doi:10.1017/plc.2023.9.pr7
Recommendation: Environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution — R1/PR8
(2023) · Cambridge Prisms Plastics · doi:10.1017/plc.2023.9.pr8
Decision: Environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution — R0/PR5
(2023) · Cambridge Prisms Plastics · doi:10.1017/plc.2023.9.pr5
Recommendation: Environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution — R0/PR4
(2023) · Cambridge Prisms Plastics · doi:10.1017/plc.2023.9.pr4
Author comment: Environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution — R0/PR1
Wang, W. (2023) · Cambridge Prisms Plastics · doi:10.1017/plc.2023.9.pr1
Author comment: Environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution — R1/PR6
Wang, W. (2023) · Cambridge Prisms Plastics · doi:10.1017/plc.2023.9.pr6
Review: Environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution — R0/PR3
(2023) · Cambridge Prisms Plastics · doi:10.1017/plc.2023.9.pr3
Review: Environmental toxicology of marine microplastic pollution — R0/PR2
(2023) · Cambridge Prisms Plastics · doi:10.1017/plc.2023.9.pr2
Induction of Male Reproductive Toxicity in Mice by Differentially Charged Polystyrene MicroplasticsPreprint
Yu, X., Yao, R., Zhou, S., Meng, G., Wijayaraja, A. U., Yao, L., Shuai, J., Gu, P., Wang, H., & Sun, F. (2023) · doi:10.22541/au.169446641.14250817/v1
The Impact of Microplastics on Tissue-specific Gene Expression in the Tropical House Cricket, G. sigillatus
Cheslock, A. (2023) · doi:10.22215/etd/2023-15802
The Neurological Impact of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Danio Rerio BehaviorPreprint
Yeo, X. Y., Choi, J. S., Kim, R., Chae, W. R., Tan, L. Y., Jin, B., Kim, J., Suk, H. Y., Lee, N. Y., Kim, G., et al. (2023) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.4653661
The Influence of Polystyrene Microplastics on Juvenile Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Baker, K. (2023) · doi:10.15760/etd.3668
Microplastics in Foods: An Emerging Food Safety Threat
Sehgal, S., Krishna, R. K., & Yeswanth, A. (2023) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-981-99-6831-2_7 · Cited by 1
Nachhaltige Kunststoffe
Chen, S., Serada, K., & Wyer, J. (2024) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-45842-2_9
Effects of Micropolystyrene on the Swimming Behavior and Metabolism of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella)Preprint
Ali, M. H., Huang, Y., Johnson, D. M., Zhi-ying, T., & Yuan, X. (2024) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.4767073
Effects of environmental microplastics on Porcellana Platycheles (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae), a marine filter-feeder crustaceanPreprint
Baracchini, C., Châtel, A., Messager, L., Stocker, P., Letertre, Y., & Leignel, V. (2024) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-3978506/v1
Microplastics and its Impacts on Marine Environment and Biotic Communities – A Global Perspective
Deborah Anne Rose, N., Rebecca Cathrine Jayakumari, D., Sheeba Anitha Nesakumari, C., Mahesh, T. C., Saravanan, R., & Thirunavukkarasu, N. (2024) · International Journal of Biological and Environmental Investigations · doi:10.33745/ijzi.2024.v10i01.041

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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