Combined toxicity of polyvinyl chloride microplastics and copper to marine jacopever (Sebastes schlegelii)

• Published in: Marine environmental research 2024-07, Vol.199, p.106598, Article 106598
• Main Authors: Li, Zike, Zhao, Meijing, Feng, Zhihua, Zhu, Lin, Sui, Qi, Sun, Xuemei, Xia, Bin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Combined exposure; copper; growth retardation; Heavy metal; heavy metals; Hepatotoxicity; liver; Marine fish; Microplastic pollution; microplastics; peroxidation; pollution; poly(vinyl chloride); Sebastes schlegelii
• ISSN: 0141-1136; 1879-0291; 1879-0291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106598

Marine organisms commonly encounter co-stress resulting from the coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals pollution in marine environments. Nevertheless, the combined effects and toxicity mechanisms of MPs and heavy metals on marine organisms remain unclear. This study integrated growth, physiological, morphological, and biochemical markers to assess the individual and combined toxicity of polyvinyl chloride MPs (PVC MPs, 1 × 104 particles/L) and copper (Cu, 200 μg/L) on marine jacopever (Sebastes schlegelii). The results revealed that co-exposure to MPs and Cu had a more detrimental impact on jacopever compared to the single-exposure groups, as evidenced by the enhanced growth inhibition, respiratory stress, and hepatotoxicity. This phenomenon may be attributed to PVC MPs accelerating the accumulation of Cu in jacopever liver. Therefore, peroxidation damage occurred in the co-exposed liver and may result in liver dysfunction. These findings contribute valuable insights into the risks associated with the coexistence of MPs and heavy metal pollution in marine ecosystems. [Display omitted] •The combined toxicity of PVC MPs and Cu to marine jacopever were investigated.•Co-exposure to PVC MPs and Cu caused more severe toxicity than single exposures.•PVC MPs played a role in accelerating the accumulation of Cu in jacopever liver.•PVC MP had a notable impact on hepatic lipid metabolism.•Co-exposure to PVC MPs and Cu resulted in oxidative damage and dysfunction in liver.