Microplastic vector effects: are fish at risk when exposed via the trophic chain?

Bour, Agathe; Sturve, Joachim; Höjesjö, Johan; Almroth, Bethanie Carney

doi:10.1101/2019.12.17.879478

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…Exposure to microplastics resulted significant negative effects on consumption by common goby (supported by Foley et al, 2018), but we found little evidence that survival and reproductive performance in the two medakas were influenced by microplastic exposure. The toxic effects of microplastics (reduced level of AchE and elevated level of superoxide dismutase‐ SOD and mucus secretion) observed in zebrafish and common goby are supported by a number of studies that analyzed the toxicological effects of microplastics in fish (Bour et al, 2020; Clasen et al, 2012; Smith et al, 2007). The varying response of fish species to microplastic exposure can be accredited to factors like developmental stages and trophic levels of the experimental fishes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Global meta‐analysis reveals diverse effects of microplastics on freshwater and marine fishes

Hossain

Olden

2022

Fish and Fisheries

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Microplastic debris is a globally ubiquitous pollutant with diverse consequences for fishes, ranging from severe negative impacts to neutral, or even, positive effects. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of experimental and observational studies to test for the impacts of microplastic exposure on freshwater, estuarine and marine fishes across diverse taxonomies, geographies, and ecosystem contexts. We report evidence for the detrimental, albeit variable, impacts of microplastics, including reduced consumption, altered feeding behavior, obstructed digestion and assimilation, decreased growth, and compromised immunity. By contrast, microplastics appeared to invoke neutral responses in several other ecological and physiological processes, such as body condition, fecundity, hatching success and survival. The results from this study also point to the mismatch between the types, shapes, and sizes of microplastics investigated in experimental settings versus those found in fish in the wild, as well as a striking difference between the 728 fish species investigated for microplastic contamination in the wild versus the only 22 fish species evaluated for the effects of microplastics in the laboratory. The present study reiterates the necessity for more consistent methodological approaches to analyzing and reporting the effects of microplastic exposure, including greater taxonomic breadth and the use of environmentally relevant polymers in future studies. Furthermore, model simulations that explore individual‐ and population‐level implications of realistic exposure scenarios are needed. Overall, the current weight of evidence supports continued management and policy actions to reduce the microplastic production, use, and release into the world's waters.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Global meta‐analysis reveals diverse effects of microplastics on freshwater and marine fishes

Hossain

Olden

2022

Fish and Fisheries

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“…In this project, we evaluated the biological effects of MP particles, and those exposed to estrogen (i.e., the vector hypothesis) on dominance interactions and territorial success in a freshwater fish. Despite a wealth of studies documenting the adverse effects of MP exposure on the behavior of fish (Bour et al, 2020; Critchell & Hoogenboom, 2018; Mak et al, 2019; Pannetier et al, 2020; Rios‐Fuster et al, 2021; Yin et al, 2018), to our knowledge no prior studies have investigated the impacts of MPs on the outcomes of complex behaviors crucial to reproductive success. The males in our study (i) consumed MPs as a byproduct of normal feeding events, and (ii) readily engaged in aggressive contests over a limited resource (i.e., a breeding territory).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do microplastics impair male dominance interactions in fish? A test of the vector hypothesis

Swank

Blevins

Bourne

et al. 2022

Ecology and Evolution

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Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in aquatic environments and have become a critical environmental issue in recent years due to their adverse impacts on the physiology, reproduction, and survival of aquatic animals. Exposure to MPs also has the potential to induce sub‐lethal behavioral changes that can affect individual fitness, but these effects are understudied. Many plastic additives introduced during the manufacture of MPs are known endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that mimic the action of natural hormones, alter sexual and competitive behavior, and impair reproductive success in fish. In addition, EDCs and other aquatic contaminants may adhere to MPs in the environment, the latter of which may serve as transport vectors for these compounds (i.e., the vector hypothesis). In this study, we staged territorial contests between control males, and males exposed to virgin MP particles or to MPs previously immersed in one of two environmentally relevant concentrations of 17‐alpha ethinyl estradiol (EE2; 5 ng/L and 25 ng/L) to evaluate the independent and synergistic effects of exposure to MPs and a common environmental estrogen on male–male aggression and competitive territory acquisition in a freshwater fish, Pimephales promelas. Short‐term (30 days) dietary exposure to MPs did not impair the ability of males to successfully compete for and obtain a breeding territory. Overall levels of aggression in control and exposed males were also similar across trial series. These results help to fill a critical knowledge gap regarding the direct and indirect (vector‐borne) effects of MPs on the reproductive behavior of aquatic vertebrates in freshwater systems.

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“…We also acknowledge Dr. Tobias Lammel for his help with fish collection, and Magnus Lovén Wallerius for his help with setting up the video recording. This manuscript has been released as a pre-print at bioRxiv, Bour et al (2019).…”

Section: Acknowledgmentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic Vector Effects: Are Fish at Risk When Exposed via the Trophic Chain?

Bour

Sturve

Höjesjö

et al. 2020

Front. Environ. Sci.

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In aquatic organisms, trophic transfer is a relevant exposure route for microplastics (MPs). Despite their relevance, effect studies on fish exposed via trophic chains are currently very scarce. MPs are known to contain many chemicals that could be transferred to organisms and induce deleterious effects. However, there is currently no consensus on whether MPs represent a significant exposure pathway to chemicals in contaminated habitats. Here, we exposed three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) to polyethylene MPs via prey ingestion, in a one-month experiment. MPs were either pristine or spiked with chlorpyrifos (CPF), and a CPF control was included to §compare vector effects of MPs and natural prey. Following exposure, we assessed AChE activity and fish behavior (feeding, locomotion, environment exploration and reaction to the introduction of a novel object). No effect was observed in fish exposed to pristine MPs. CPF accumulation was observed in fish exposed to CPF-spiked MPs (MP-CPF), confirming the vector potential of MPs. However, CPF accumulation was more important in fish exposed to CPF via prey. In fish exposed to MP-CPF, we observed significant AChE inhibition and hyperactivity, which could result in increased vulnerability to predation. CPF organ distribution differed between groups, suggesting that chemical exposure via MPs could alter organ distribution of chemicals. This can result in a change in the organs most at risk, likely increasing intestine exposure.

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Microplastic vector effects: are fish at risk when exposed via the trophic chain?

Cited by 4 publications

References 56 publications

Global meta‐analysis reveals diverse effects of microplastics on freshwater and marine fishes

Global meta‐analysis reveals diverse effects of microplastics on freshwater and marine fishes

Do microplastics impair male dominance interactions in fish? A test of the vector hypothesis

Microplastic Vector Effects: Are Fish at Risk When Exposed via the Trophic Chain?

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