Scientific Reports (Jul 2024)

Effects of microplastics on reproductive characteristics and mechanisms of the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis

  • Taekyoung Seong,
  • Sae Yamamoto,
  • Hisayuki Nakatani,
  • Mitsuharu Yagi,
  • Yusaku Kyozuka,
  • Glenn Satuito,
  • Hee-Jin Kim

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65047-8
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 1
pp. 1 – 12

Abstract

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Abstract Microplastic pollution, especially secondary microplastics (MPs), poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Despite its prevalence, the impact of natural-aged MPs on marine organisms, hindered by collection challenges, remains poorly understood. This study focused on 1–3 μm natural-aged MPs collected from Japan's coastal sea, investigating their effects on the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis sensu stricto and its reproductive mechanisms. Rotifers exposed to varying MP concentrations (0, 20, and 200 particles/mL) over 14-day batch cultures exhibited reduced population growth and fertilization rates. Down-regulation of reproductive genes and up-regulation of oxidative stress-related genes were observed, indicating MP-induced disruptions. Enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase and acetylcholinesterase and elevated malondialdehyde levels further emphasized oxidative stress. These findings underscore the detrimental impact of MPs on rotifer reproductivity, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms.

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