Microplastics have become a significant environmental concern. However, information on toxicity of microplastics in terrestrial organisms is limited. In this study, the chronic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the reproductive system and serum antioxidants of male albino Wistar rats fed for 90 days with standard rat feed containing 1-10% granules of crushed polystyrene disposable plates were evaluated. Significant reductions in volume, motility, epididymal sperm count and serum testosterone level were observed. Histological examination of testicular architecture showed distorted testes with vacuolated seminiferous tubules at the highest percentage, together with increased catalase and decreased superoxide dismutase activities. This study showed that ingestion of PS-MPs caused reproductive dysfunction in male rats and contributes to understanding the potential toxicity of microplastics in terrestrial animals.
Keywords: Microplastics; Wistar rats; polystyrene; reproductive toxicity; sperm quality; testosterone.