ACCUMULATION OF POLYETHYLENE MICROPARTICLES IN GILLS AND HEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES OF TAMBATINGA (COLOSSOMA MACROPOMUM X PIARACTUS BRACKYPOMUS)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20873/2024_DEZ_17110

Abstract

Microplastics are microparticles smaller than 5 mm, considered pollutants of concern to the aquatic ecosystem, due to their high bioavailability. The use of polyethylene microspheres as an abrasive ingredient warns of the harmful effects they can cause to aquatic organisms. The objective was to evaluate the effects of polyethylene microspheres in tambatinga fish, regarding the potential for accumulation in the gill organ and morphophysiological changes after acute exposure. The fish were divided (n = 10) into a control group and two exposed (2 mg L-1 and 20 mg L-1 of the microplastic) for 72 hours. After exposure, blood and gill samples were collected for hematological, morphological and accumulation analyses. Accumulation of microplastics was observed in the respiratory organ, at a frequency of 30% (PM2) and 60% (MP20), which could potentially impair its normal functionality. There was no change in erythrocyte parameters. There was an increase in neutrophils and PAS-positive granular leukocytes in the treated groups, suggesting a possible branchial infection resulting from microplastic abrasion. There was no impairment of the morphology of the branchial tissue. Therefore, it is suggested that there was an increase in the production of mucous cells, protecting the tissue from abrasion with MPs. The microspheres at the concentrations tested could be toxic to fish in the natural environment. 

Published

2024-12-16

How to Cite

da Silva, D. do C., Martins, M. G. R., Ferreira, E. R. R., Mariano, W. dos S., Moron, S. E., & Paulino, M. G. (2024). ACCUMULATION OF POLYETHYLENE MICROPARTICLES IN GILLS AND HEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES OF TAMBATINGA (COLOSSOMA MACROPOMUM X PIARACTUS BRACKYPOMUS). DESAFIOS - Revista Interdisciplinar Da Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, 11(6). https://doi.org/10.20873/2024_DEZ_17110

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