Microplastics (MPs), from industrial and household products or the degradation of larger plastics, are considered emerging pollutants of global concern due to their physical and chemical properties. These particles are found in aquatic matrices in high concentrations and because of their small size, are easily ingested. Numerous harmful effects have been already reported on a wide range of species. Numerous harmful effects have been already reported on a wide range of species, while the effects on embryonic development are less known. In this study, therefore, X. laevis embryos were exposed until stage 45/46 to 1 and 3 μm diameter Polystyrene microplastics (MPs). Conventional FETAX tests were carried out at three concentrations, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L, considering the environmental data on accu-mulation. The impact on heart rate and the expression of early developmental genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines were investigated, together with ROS production. The effects at the tissue/cell levels were analyzed with light and electron microscopy, while Raman spec-troscopy detected the presence of internalized MPs. Results indicated that MPs induce a low toxic/teratogenic effect, with a peak at the greater concentration of the largest MP (30% mortality). Despite that, a dose-dependent increase in ROS production and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated the pres-ence of polystyrene within the embryos. Ultrastructural investigations highlighted potential damage to the enterocytes. In conclusion, data collected indicate that interference during X. laevis development depends on particle size and concentration and, although not lethal at small sizes, they may negatively affect growth and survival. The impact of MPs on embryos of other aquatic species should be quickly clarified, given the probable effect on environ-mental stability. MPs will not disappear in a short time from the aquatic matrices, but an in-depth knowledge of the effects could help reach more respectful and knowledgeable management.
Effects of polystyrene microplastics on Xenopus laevis embryonic development / Motta, CHIARA MARIA; Fogliano, Chiara; Rusciano, Giulia; Avallone, Bice; Carotenuto, Rosa. - (2023). ( 5th Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration2-5 October).
Effects of polystyrene microplastics on Xenopus laevis embryonic development
Chiara Maria Motta;Chiara Fogliano;Giulia Rusciano;Bice Avallone;Rosa Carotenuto
2023
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), from industrial and household products or the degradation of larger plastics, are considered emerging pollutants of global concern due to their physical and chemical properties. These particles are found in aquatic matrices in high concentrations and because of their small size, are easily ingested. Numerous harmful effects have been already reported on a wide range of species. Numerous harmful effects have been already reported on a wide range of species, while the effects on embryonic development are less known. In this study, therefore, X. laevis embryos were exposed until stage 45/46 to 1 and 3 μm diameter Polystyrene microplastics (MPs). Conventional FETAX tests were carried out at three concentrations, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L, considering the environmental data on accu-mulation. The impact on heart rate and the expression of early developmental genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines were investigated, together with ROS production. The effects at the tissue/cell levels were analyzed with light and electron microscopy, while Raman spec-troscopy detected the presence of internalized MPs. Results indicated that MPs induce a low toxic/teratogenic effect, with a peak at the greater concentration of the largest MP (30% mortality). Despite that, a dose-dependent increase in ROS production and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated the pres-ence of polystyrene within the embryos. Ultrastructural investigations highlighted potential damage to the enterocytes. In conclusion, data collected indicate that interference during X. laevis development depends on particle size and concentration and, although not lethal at small sizes, they may negatively affect growth and survival. The impact of MPs on embryos of other aquatic species should be quickly clarified, given the probable effect on environ-mental stability. MPs will not disappear in a short time from the aquatic matrices, but an in-depth knowledge of the effects could help reach more respectful and knowledgeable management.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
