The exponential use of plastics has significantly increased environmental pollution by nanoplastics (NPs). In the aquatic environment, NPs interact and bioaccumulate in the biota, posing a potential ecotoxicological risk. The present study investigated the developmental toxicity, vasotoxicity, cytotoxicity, ROS induction, and behavioral impairments in zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to environmentally relevant polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) concentrations (0.04, 34 ng L-1, and 34 μg L-1) for 144 h through multiple biomarkers response (mortality, frequency of spontaneous contractions, heart rate, and morphological changes). Furthermore, vasotoxicity (head, yolk sac, tail, and branchial vessels) was evaluated using the transgenic zebrafish tg(Fli1:eGFP). Results showed that PS-NPs interacted mainly with zebrafish chorion, gills, tail, and larvae head. PS-NPs at 34 ng L-1 and 34 μg L-1 induced neurotoxicity (decreased frequency of spontaneous contractions), cardiotoxicity (bradycardia), and morphological changes in the eyes and head, indicating that PS-NPs induce developmental impairments in zebrafish. In addition, cytotoxicity in the caudal region (34 ng L-1), ROS production, decreased mean swimming speed, and distance covered were observed in all tested concentrations. PS-NPs also induced vasotoxicity (yolk sac region) in transgenic zebrafish. Overall, the present study demonstrates the harmful effects of PS-NPs on the early developmental stages of freshwater fish, indicating their environmental risk.
Keywords: Aquatic toxicity; Danio rerio; Embryotoxicity; Nanotoxicity; Plastic particle.
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