Ecotoxicological aspects of polyethylene terephthalate fragments isolated and mixed with a metal pollutant and a pharmaceutical: emphasis on histological biomarkers of Danio rerio

• Grant number: 25/02542-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Renata Fracácio Francisco
• Grantee: Isabelle Confanini Torres José
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/06037-8 - Aspects of the ecotoxicity of secondary fragments of the microplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) isolated and in mixture with metallic and organic pollutants as a function of concentration and size", AP.R

Abstract

Aquatic pollution caused by microplastics (MPs) and chemical contaminants, such as heavy metals and pharmaceuticals, represents a growing environmental concern. MPs (1 µm to 5 mm) persist in the environment and can act as vectors for toxic substances, potentially enhancing or inhibiting their effects on biota. This study aims to investigate the ecotoxicological impacts of chronic exposure of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to MPs (¿ 75 µm, at a concentration of 983 particles·L¿¹), cadmium (1 µg·L¿¹ and 10 µg·L¿¹), and chloroquine phosphate (at concentrations of 0.6 µg·L¿¹ and 1.8 µg·L¿¹), both individually and in combination. Histological biomarkers (liver and gills) of adult Danio rerio will be used to assess the effects of these substances alone and in mixtures. The study seeks to determine whether, in ecotoxicological terms, the interactions between PET and chloroquine and between PET and cadmium result in synergistic or antagonistic effects on exposed biota. The findings will contribute to future risk assessment studies and environmental regulations, including mitigation strategies for aquatic pollution.