Evaluating the influence of aquatic environmental hazard, polylactic acid microplastics, on Labeo rohita

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ABSTRACT This research sought to evaluate toxicity after intake of polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MPs) on multiple parameters of Labeo rohita fingerlings, focusing on their growth, nutrient consumption, body composition, histopathology, hematology and minerals status. Six test diets were formulated using sunflower meal (SFM) serving as the reference diet, incorporating different MPs concentrations: control (0%), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% MPs. The formulated diets were administered to triplicate groups of 15 fish, with each fed at 5% weight (live wet) for 90 days duration. The outcomes revealed that the growth had significantly decreased in L. rohita fingerlings when exposed to PLA-MPs. Furthermore, the apparent nutrients digestibility reduced with the escalation in PLA-MPs levels. PLA-MP exposure led to substantial alterations in body composition, including enhanced body fat and reduced protein content. Furthermore, blood profile was also altered after the PLA-MPs exposure. Additionally, examination of gut histopathology indicated an intensification in abnormalities in intestine at the 2.5% PLA-MPs concentration. The diet having 2.5% MPs exhibited the minimum body mineral composition. This study suggests that exposure of PLA-MPs influenced the L. rohita health performance.