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Toxicological consequences of polystyrene microplastics on Cirrhinus mrigala: Effects on growth, body composition, nutrient digestibility, hematological and histopathology alterations

Eram Rashid, Syed Makhdoom Hussain , Shafaqat Ali, Khalid A. Al-Ghanim, Pallab K. Sarker

Abstract

Context. Microplastics (MPs), whether originating from primary or secondary means, have emerged as a significant global issue now a day. Aims. The current study was carried out to evaluate the toxicological consequences of polystyrene-MPs (PS-MPs) that alter the growth, body composition, nutrient digestibility, hematology and histopathology of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings. Methods. In this study, six test diets were used having different MP concentrations, including a control group (0% MPs) and group with 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% MPs in sunflower meal-based diets. Fingerlings (6.54±0.02 g) were placed in triplicate groups, each consisting of 15 fingerlings, at a feeding rate equivalent to 5% of their live wet body weight for 90 days. Key results. The findings showed that as the concentration of MPs increased, there was a corresponding decrease in growth, body composition, the apparent digestibility of nutrients, histopathology and altered the hematological parameters of the fingerlings. Conclusions. The findings showed that higher level of MPs exposure in diet of C. mrigala, negatively effects growth performance, body composition, nutrient digestibility, hematological parameters and histopathology. Implication. The study reveals toxicological effects of PS-MPs on C. mrigala fingerlings, emphasizing urgent global action to address and mitigate aquatic ecosystem threats.

MF24055  Accepted 10 September 2024

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