Project description:Microplastics represent a growing environmental concern for the oceans due to their potential capability to adsorb different classes of pollutants, thus representing a still unexplored source of exposure for aquatic organisms. In this study polystyrene (PS) microplastics were characterized for their capability to adsorb pyrene (PYR) as model compound for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and transfer this chemical to filter feeding mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis. Gene expression analyses of Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to polystyrene (PS) microplastics and to polystyrene contaminated with pyrene (PS-PYR) have been performed trough a DNA microarray platform.
Project description:Recent evidence highlights the multisystem effects of microplastics. We investigated the effect of the most common microplastic, polyethylene, on liver conditions. We included 4 experimental groups of mice; chow diet, chow diet and microplastics, high-fat/fructose/cholesterol diet, high-fat/fructose/cholesterol diet and microplastics. Following tissue collection after treatment, bulk RNA sequencing was carried out to profile transcriptomic activity of each group.
Project description:Polyethylene microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose potential risks to aquatic organisms. This study investigates the effects of polyethylene microplastics on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo development, with a focus on whether the chorion, a protective barrier surrounding the embryo, is effective in blocking polyethylene penetration. Contrary to previous findings that suggested the chorion could prevent larger microplastics (>0.7 µm) from entering, our study demonstrates that polyethylene particles sized 1-4 µm can still negatively impact embryo development without dechorionation. Embryos were exposed to polyethylene at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/L, followed by RNA sequencing to assess gene expression changes. Despite no significant differences in survival, hatching, or body length between control and treated groups, a significant reduction in heart rate was observed at higher concentrations, indicating potential sub-lethal cardiotoxicity. Further, qRT-PCR validation confirmed significant downregulation of key heart development-related genes, particularly fbln1 and fn1b, in polyethylene-exposed embryos. Additionally, polyethylene exposure also impacted Daphnia magna, reducing heart rate and delaying growth. These findings highlight the ability of polyethylene microplastics to penetrate natural barriers such as the chorion and induce physiological and developmental changes. Our results emphasize the need for further research into the long-term effects of microplastic exposure on aquatic ecosystems.