Abstract
In aquatic organisms, trophic transfer is a relevant exposure route for microplastics (MPs). Despite their relevance, effect studies on fish exposed via trophic chains are currently very scarce. MPs are known to contain many chemicals that could be transferred to organisms and induce deleterious effects. However, there is currently no consensus on whether MPs represent a significant exposure pathway to chemicals in contaminated habitats. Here, we exposed three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) to polyethylene MPs via prey ingestion, in a one-month experiment. MPs were either pristine or spiked with chlorpyrifos (CPF), and a CPF control was included to§ compare vector effects of MPs and natural prey. Following exposure, we assessed AChE activity and fish behavior (feeding, locomotion, environment exploration and reaction to the introduction of a novel object). No effect was observed in fish exposed to pristine MPs. CPF accumulation was observed in fish exposed to CPF-spiked MPs (MP-CPF), confirming the vector potential of MPs. However, CPF accumulation was more important in fish exposed to CPF via prey. In fish exposed to MP-CPF, we observed significant AChE inhibition and hyperactivity, which could result in increased vulnerability to predation. CPF organ distribution differed between groups, suggesting that chemical exposure via MPs could alter organ distribution of chemicals. This can result in a change in the organs most at risk, likely increasing intestine exposure.
Highlights
Increasing numbers of field and laboratory studies have shown that most lower trophic level organisms are able to ingest microplastics (MPs) (Lusher, 2015; Scherer et al, 2018)
Microplastic Vector Effect via Trophic Chain the ingestion of contaminated prey and/or natural particles could result in greater chemical uptake, compared to MPs
We studied an experimental trophic chain comprising the threespined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) as predator species, and brine shrimps (Artemia sp.) as natural prey
Summary
Increasing numbers of field and laboratory studies have shown that most lower trophic level organisms are able to ingest microplastics (MPs) (Lusher, 2015; Scherer et al, 2018). Ingestion of MP-contaminated prey by predator species is very likely and trophic transfer has been identified as a relevant contamination pathway for MPs (Farrell and Nelson, 2013; Nelms et al, 2018). Despite their relevance, MP trophic transfer and its impacts on upper trophic level organisms are still poorly investigated, especially in studies involving fish. Microplastic Vector Effect via Trophic Chain the ingestion of contaminated prey and/or natural particles could result in greater chemical uptake, compared to MPs. Despite the importance of comparing MPs to other natural vectors of contamination, such as natural prey, these alternative exposure pathways are still poorly investigated in MP ecotoxicity studies (Koelmans, 2015), especially those focusing on aquatic organisms
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