Physiological effects and molecular response in the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis after combined exposure to nanoplastics and copper

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2023-09, Vol.194 (Pt B), p.115332-115332, Article 115332
• Main Authors: Wang, Chuxin, Jeong, Haksoo, Lee, Jin-Sol, Maszczyk, Piotr, Sayed, Alaa El-Din H., Hwang, Un-Ki, Kim, Hyung Sik, Lee, Jae-Seong, Byeon, Eunjin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brachionus plicatilis; Combined effect; Copper; Detoxification; Marine rotifer; Nanoplastics
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115332

Because nanoplastics (NPs) can transport pollutants, the absorption of surrounding pollutants into NPs and their effects are important environmental issues. This study shows a combined effect of high concentrations of NPs and copper (Cu) in the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. Co-exposure decreased the growth rate, reproduction, and lifespan. The highest level of NP ingestion was detected in the co-treated group, but the Cu concentration was higher in the Cu single-exposure group. ERK activation played a key role in the downstream cell signaling pathway activated by the interaction of NPs and Cu. The increased sensitivity of B. plicatilis to Cu could be due to the impairment of MXR function caused by a high concentration of NPs, which supports our in vivo experiment results. Our results show that exposure to NPs could induce the dysfunction of several critical molecular responses, weakening resistance to Cu and thereby increasing its physiological toxicity in B. plicatilis. •The toxicity of NPs was dose-dependent, and adverse in vivo effects were increased with Cu.•In the combined exposure group of NPs and Cu, the ingestion of NPs increased while the Cu concentration decreased.•The interaction of NPs and Cu reduced ROS and increased antioxidant activity, implying destroyed redox homeostasis.•ERK pathway was activated by co-exposure to high-concentration NPs and Cu, with increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.•NPs could induce cell damage and inhibit P-gp and MRP activity, reducing the ability to defend against Cu toxicity.