Sorbed environmental contaminants increase the harmful effects of microplastics in adult zebrafish, Danio rerio

Aquatic animals ingest Microplastics (MPs) which have the potential to affect the uptake and bioavailability of sorbed co-contaminants. However, the effects on living organisms still need to be properly understood. The present study was designed to assess the combined effects of MPs and environmental contaminants on zebrafish (Danio rerio) health and behavior. Adult specimens were fed according to three different protocols: 1) untreated food (Control group); 2) food supplemented with 0.4 mg/L pristine polyethylene-MPs (PE-MPs; 0.1–0.3 mm diameter) (PEv group); 3) food supplemented with 0.4 mg/L PE-MPs previously incubated (PEi group) for 2 months in seawater. Analysis of contaminants in PEi detected trace elements, such as lead and copper. After 15 days of exposure, zebrafish underwent behavioral analysis and were then dissected to sample gills and intestine for histology, and the latter also for microbiome analysis. Occurrence of PEv and PEi in the intestine and contaminants in the fish carcass were analyzed. Both PEv- and PEi-administered fish differed from controls in the assays performed, but PEi produced more harmful effects in most instances. Overall, MPs after environmental exposure revealed higher potential to alter fish health through combined effects (e.g. proportion of microplastics, pollutants and/or microorganisms).