Aquatic Toxicology,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown, P. 107369 - 107369
Published: April 1, 2025
Micro-
and
nanoplastic
particles
(MNPs)
are
pollutants
of
global
concern
due
to
their
persistence,
ubiquity,
associated
risks.
Laboratory
studies,
however,
have
predominantly
focused
on
pristine
MNPs,
which
do
not
adequately
reflect
the
characteristics
environmental
plastic
debris.
To
address
this
gap,
study
investigated
cellular
tissue-level
responses
mussels
(Mytilus
edulis)
aged
polyethylene
terephthalate
(PET)
MNPs
(diameter
600
nm
3.1
µm)
at
three
environmentally
relevant
concentrations:
10,
103,
105
particles/L.
The
particles'
physicochemical
stability
in
exposure
media
were
analyzed
using
a
combination
advanced
analytical
techniques.
biological
across
multiple
effect
endpoints
during
both
(days
1,
3,
7,
14)
subsequent
recovery
periods
(3
10
days
post-exposure),
via
flow
cytometry
histopathology.
results
revealed
sensitivity
hemocyte
subpopulations,
including
granulocytes
hyalinocytes,
PET
MNPs.
Concentration-
time-dependent
changes
lysosomal
stability,
oxidative
activity,
mortality
observed,
demonstrating
immediate
perturbations
potential
alleviate
particle-induced
effects.
Histopathological
analysis
key
tissues
exhibited
significant
alterations,
particularly
gill,
suggesting
impairment
essential
physiological
functions.
No
mussel
or
growth
metrics
observed
under
tested
experimental
conditions.
These
findings
underscore
systemic
impacts
MNP
highlight
importance
adopting
integrative,
realistic
approaches
assess
consequences
future
research.
