Investigation of the impact caused by different sizes of polyethylene plastics (nano, micro, and macro) in common carp juveniles, Cyprinus carpio L., using multi-biomarkers

ABS T R A C T Plastic pollution poses a global threat to aquatic organisms, yet its effect on many species remains poorly docu-mented and understood. This study addresses the impact caused by different sizes of polyethylene (PE) plastics on the common carp and evaluates their multi-biomarkers response. We investigated the histological structure and measurement of biochemical alterations, antioxidant enzymes, immunological responses, and fluctuations in blood profiles of the organisms after 15 days of exposure to a concentration of 100 mg/L of nano-(NPs), micro-(MPs) and macroplastics (MaPs). The fish health status was altered in the sole presence of PE particles. All biomarkers changed after exposure compared to the control group, with larger changes being observed with the decreasing size of particles (NPs > MPs > MaPs) compared to their absence. A synergistic effect resulting from the individual impact of plastics penetration in the circulatory system, bursting biochemical responses, and lesions in tissues, might explain the more considerable impact of NPs compared to MPs and/or MaPs. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study found that different sizes of polyethylene plastics have an impact on the health status of fish, with smaller particles causing a greater impact. The penetration of particles into the circulatory system, triggering biochemical responses, and causing tissue damage may explain the more considerable impact of nano-particles compared to micro- and macro-particles.