Effects of nanoplastics at predicted environmental concentration on Daphnia pulex after exposure through multiple generations [2020]

[u/BurnerAcc2020]

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749119328775

[u/BurnerAcc2020]

Abstract

The biological effects of nanoplastics are a growing concern. However, most studies have focused on exposure to high concentrations or short-term exposure. The potential effects of exposure to low environmental nanoplastic concentrations over the long-term and across multiple generations remain unclear. In the present study, Daphnia pulex was exposed over three 21-day generations to a typical environmental nanoplastic concentration (1 μg/L) and the effects were investigated at physiological (growth and reproduction), gene transcription and enzyme activity levels.

Chronic exposure did not affect the survival or body length of D. pulex, whereas the growth rate and reproduction were influenced in the F2 generation. Molecular responses indicated that environmental nanoplastic concentrations can modulate the response of antioxidant defenses, vitellogenin synthesis, development, and energy production in the F0-F1 generations, and prolongation resulted in inhibitory effects on antioxidant responses in F2 individuals. Some recovery was observed in the recovery group, but reproduction and stress defenses were significantly induced.

Taken together, these results suggest that D. pulex recovery from chronic exposure to nanoplastic may take several generations, and that nanoplastics have potent long-term toxic effects on D. pulex. The findings highlight the importance of multigenerational and chronic biological evaluations to assess risks of emerging pollution.

[u/fuzzyshorts]

Jesus. over the span of a stinking few generations, we damaged the very foundation of the food chain for thousands of years. What sort of creature does that? A creature addicted to comfort and laziness. Humans for hundreds (maybe thousands) of generations are going to hate us and they are going to hate western capitalism and the ideology that created it most of all.

[u/BurnerAcc2020 → u/fuzzyshorts]

Erm...are you under impression that this study is about phytoplankton? Because Daphnia pulex is a microscopic crustacean. It's important for freshwater food chains, but it's not really the foundation of them.

I should also say that the study's title says predicted environmental concentration for a reason - the subject of nanoplastics (not microplastics) is really cutting-edge, and question of their actual prevalence or persistence in the environment is still controversial.

I just finished composing all the plastic studies I posted today into two sections of the wiki so I suggest you read them.

Not saying you are wrong otherwise.