Polystyrene nanoplastics impact the bioenergetics of developing zebrafish and limit molecular and physiological adaptive responses to acute temperature stress.

ABSTRACT: Plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern due to its ubiquitous impact on aquatic ecosystems. Nanoplastics can be generated from the breakdown of plastic waste and interact with organisms at the cellular level, potentially disrupting cellular physiology. We investigated the effects of 44 nm polystyrene nanoparticles (44 nm NanoPS) on the development and physiology of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in the presence of sublethal heat stress (32 °C vs control, 28 °C). We hypothesized that the simultaneous exposure to nanoplastics and rising temperatures seriously threaten developing fish. This combination could create a critical imbalance: rising temperatures may lead to heightened energy demands, while nanoplastic exposure reduces energy production, threatening animal survival. As expecte

SUBMITTER: Trevisan R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12903096 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature