Individual and combined multigenerational effects induced by polystyrene nanoplastic and glyphosate in Daphnia magna (Strauss, 1820)

In this study, the acute and multigenerational effects of the individual and combined toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastic (PSNP-15.6, 31.2 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/L) and glyphosate (Gly -6.2, 12.5, 25, 50,100 and 200 mg/L) on the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna were investigated. The acute toxicity interactions were predicted mathematically using Abbott's model and multiple toxicological endpoints. In the multigenerational tests, we evaluated the effects in filial (F1 and F2) generations of daphnids after parental (F0) exposure to Gly and PSNP, as individual compounds and as a mixture, during their life history. Based on Abbott's model, the combined individual toxicities of Gly and PSNP are increased when they are present as a mixture. This indicates synergy between the components of the mixture, especially in the case of co-exposure to Gly and PSNP in higher equitoxic proportions. The mixture of PSNP and Gly caused an increase in immobility and ROS production and decrease in swimming activity. Multigenerational responses indicated that the exposure of F0 daphnids to Gly and PSNP as a mixture induced effects in the F1 and F2 reproduction parameters in the recovery tests. Thus, the results reported herein provide important information on the interaction of hydrophilic organic and nanoplastic pollutants in aqueous ecosystems. This will be useful in future studies on the toxicity of mixtures and multigenerational effects and provide a basis for management decisions aimed at the protection of environmental health. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the acute and multigenerational effects of polystyrene nanoplastic (PSNP) and glyphosate (Gly) on the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna. The interactions between these compounds were mathematically predicted and evaluated using multiple toxicological endpoints. The results indicated that the combined individual toxicities of Gly and PSNP were increased when they were present as a mixture. The mixture also caused changes in mobility, ROS production, and reproduction parameters in Daphnia magna. These findings provide important information on the interaction of hydrophilic organic and nanoplastic pollutants in aqueous ecosystems.