Toxic effects of microplastic (polyethylene) exposure: Bioaccumulation, hematological parameters and antioxidant responses in crucian carp, Carassius carassius

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) by measuring the bioaccumulation, hematological parameters, and antioxidant responses in crucian carp (Carassius Carassius) exposed to waterborne 22-71 mu m PE-MPs. C. carassius (mean weight, 24.0 +/- 2.1 g; mean length, 13.1 +/- 1.2 cm) were exposed to PE-MPs at concentration of 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 mg/L for 2 weeks. The accumulation of PE -MPs in each tissue of C. carassius was significantly increased in proportion to the PE-MPs concentration; the highest accumulation was observed in the intestine, followed by the gills and liver. Hematological parameters, plasma components and antioxidants responses were significantly affected by PE-MPs in a concentration -dependent manner. Exposure to >= 32 mg/L PE-MPs induced a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) content, and hematocrit values. However, exposure to >= 32 mg/L PE-MPs induced oxidative stress in the liver, gill, and intestine of C. carassius, thereby resulting in a significant increase in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels. The effects of interaction between the PE-MPs and exposure periods showed no significant changes

Automated summary

The aim of this study is to assess the toxic effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on crucian carp by examining bioaccumulation, hematological parameters, and antioxidant responses. Results showed that the accumulation of PE-MPs in different tissues of crucian carp increased with the concentration, with the highest accumulation in the intestine, followed by the gills and liver. Hematological parameters, plasma components, and antioxidant responses were significantly affected by PE-MPs in a concentration-dependent manner. Exposure to >= 32 mg/L of PE-MPs resulted in a significant decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin content, and hematocrit values. Additionally, exposure to >= 32 mg/L of PE-MPs induced oxidative stress in the liver, gills, and intestine, leading to elevated levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase, and decreased glutathione levels. The interaction between PE-MPs and exposure periods did not produce significant changes.