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Toxicity assessment of polyethylene microplastics in combination with a mix of emerging pollutants on Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles

Research Authors
Amanda Pereira da Costa Araújo, Thiarlen Marinho da Luz, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed, Mir Mohammad Ali, Md Mostafizur Rahman, Bojan Nataraj, Daniela de Melo e Silva, Damià Barceló, Guilherme Malafaia
Research Abstract

Studies in recent years have shown that aquatic pollution by microplastics (MPs) can be considered to pose additional stress to amphibian populations. However, our knowledge of how MPs affect amphibians is very rudimentary, and even more limited is our understanding of their effects in combination with other emerging pollutants. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible toxicity of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) (alone or in combination with a mix of pollutants) on the health of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles. After 30 days of exposure, multiple biomarkers were measured, including morphological, biometric, and developmental indices, behavioral parameters, mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, antioxidant and cholinesterase responses, as well as the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in animals. Based on the results, there was no significant change in any of the parameters measured in tadpoles exposed to treatments, but induced stress was observed in tadpoles exposed to PE-MPs combined with the mixture of pollutants, reflecting significant changes in physiological and biochemical responses. Through principal component analysis (PCA) and integrated biomarker response (IBR) assessment, effects induced by pollutants in each test group were distinguished, confirming that the exposure of P. cuvieri tadpoles to the PE-MPs in combination with a mix of emerging pollutants induces an enhanced stress response, although the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in these animals was reduced. Thus, our study provides new insight into the danger to amphibians of MPs coexisting with other pollutants in aquatic environments.

Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of Environmental Sciences
Research Member
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Rank
International
Research Vol
127
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1001074222002558?fbclid=IwAR1hR7R-B2FXDvQ1Z6n1Qivj_JqWy50K8GUxHtp8MLoM44E6__ZwSb3UPEQ
Research Year
2023
Research Pages
465-482