Exposure of the amphipod Hyalella azteca to microplastics. A study on subtoxic responses and particle biofragmentation

Autor(es)

Rani-Borges, Barbara ; Queiroz, Lucas Goncalves ; Pradd, Caio Cesar Achiles ; de Melo, Eduardo Carmine ; de Moraes, Beatriz Rocha ; Ando, Romulo Augusto ; de Paiva, Teresa Cristina Brazil ; Pompeo, Marcelo

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY; v. 258, p. 9-pg., 2023-03-31.

Resumo

Microplastics are widespread pollutants in the environment and are considered a global pollution problem. Microplastics mostly originate from larger plastics and due to environmental conditions are undergoing constant fragmentation processes. It is important to understand the fragmentation pathways, since they play a key role in the fate of the particles, and also directly influence toxicity. Amphipods are potential inducers of plastic debris fragmentation. Here, Hyalella azteca was exposed to different concentrations (540, 2700, 5400 items/L) of 24.5 mu m polystyrene microplastics (PS-MP) for 7 days. After exposure, oxidative stress, particle size reduction, and mortality were checked. No significant mortality was seen in any of the treatments, although changes were recorded in all enzymatic biomarkers analyzed. It was observed that throughout the ingestion and egestion of PS -MP by H. azteca, particles underwent intense fragmentation, presenting a final size up to 25.3% smaller than the initial size. The fragmentation over time (24, 72, 120, 168 h) was verified and the results showed a constant reduction in average particle size indicating that H. azteca are able to induce PS-MP fragmentation. This process may facilitate bioaccumulation and trophic particle transfer. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 19/10845-4 - Qualidade da água de reservatórios paulistas: o peso das evidências
• Beneficiário: Marcelo Luiz Martins Pompêo
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 20/09250-3 - Ligações de Hidrogênio em Líquidos Iônicos - Espectroscopia Vibracional e Propriedades Físicas
• Beneficiário: Beatriz Rocha de Moraes
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado