Interaction of Microplastic Presence and Oxidative Stress in Freshwater Fish: A Regional Scale Research, East Anatolia of Türkiye (Erzurum & Erzincan & Bingöl)

Abstract

The presence of microplastic (MP) in different fish species taken from stations in Erzurum, Erzincan and Bingöl was examined. The obtained data were classified and shared with the scientific world as the first record made in this region. In the obtained results, the most dominant color was black (39–58%) and the most prevalent forms were fragment and fiber. The sizes (0–50, 50–100 µm) of microplastics differed according to the region and species. When the number of MPs in the gastrointestinal systems of different fish species in the Bingöl, Erzurum and Erzincan provinces was evaluated, the most microplastics were found in Squalius squalus (20.7%) and Blicca bjoerkna (18.2%) in Bingöl province from among six different species. In Erzincan province, four fish species were sampled, and the rates were (29.7%) in Capoeta umbla and (26.6%) in Blicca bjoerkna. The highest abundance in Erzurum province was determined in Cyprinus carpio (53.0%). In the analyses performed on liver tissues, the highest ROS, which is the indicator of oxidative damage, was listed as Bingöl > Erzincan > Erzurum, while MDA levels were recorded as Bingöl > Erzurum > Erzincan, from high to low. When the differences between species were examined, the highest SOD and CAT activity was determined in the Mugil cephalus species. Considering the total MP numbers in fish samples, 47 MP was determined in this species. On the other hand, in the Squalius squalus species, where the highest total MP was determined, SOD and CAT activities were found to be low in Bingöl province. Therewithal, the high levels of ROS and MDA in this species can be said to induce oxidative stress due to the presence of microplastics on the one hand and to reduce antioxidant levels on the other hand. When the findings were evaluated, it was concluded that MPs in freshwater are a potential stressor, and freshwater environments may represent a critical target habitat for future MP removal and remediation strategies.

Nanoplastic Exposure Mediates Neurodevelopmental Toxicity by Activating the Oxidative Stress Response in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

“…Plastics are extensively utilized for their versatility, lightweight, and affordability, and they fulfill an essential role in numerous sectors, but due to improper handling and mass production, a large amount of this plastic might eventually harm many environmental media. , Consequently, plastic pollution stands as one of the most concerning issues. , Due to the physical, chemical, and biological processes, plastics can degrade into microplastics (MPs) ranging in size from 1 μm to 5 mm in the environment. , The concentrations of MPs in water, sediments, and organisms can achieve concentrations up to 25,800 items/m 3 , 32,947 particles/kg, and 7527 items/fish, respectively . Among these, polystyrene (PS) is a particularly prevalent form of plastic fragments found in the environment. − Over time, microplastics (MPs) can further break down into NPs with sizes smaller than 1 μm . NPs pose a considerable ecological challenge owing to their diminutive dimensions, expansive surface area, and capacity to infiltrate organisms.…”

Ingestion of Polyvinylchloride Powder Particles Induces Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Histopathological Changes in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia)—A Preliminary Study

“…Oxidative stress is quantified by the balance between the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the level of lipid peroxidation, as well as direct quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The alteration of antioxidant enzymes activity and the elevation of MDA levels which indicate lipid peroxidation in fish exposed to different pollutants, can be regarded as bioindicators of oxidative stress [40][41][42][43]. Studies have identified different oxidative stress responses which are triggered through exposure to microplastics, mainly by dysregulations of CAT and superoxide dismutase enzymes, as well as higher MDA levels, suggesting a strong link between MPs pollution and liver enzymatic imbalance in fish [43,44].…”

“…The alteration of antioxidant enzymes activity and the elevation of MDA levels which indicate lipid peroxidation in fish exposed to different pollutants, can be regarded as bioindicators of oxidative stress [40][41][42][43]. Studies have identified different oxidative stress responses which are triggered through exposure to microplastics, mainly by dysregulations of CAT and superoxide dismutase enzymes, as well as higher MDA levels, suggesting a strong link between MPs pollution and liver enzymatic imbalance in fish [43,44]. It was also reported that the size of PVC MPs showed a significant role in fish toxicity and mortality, as PVC particles in the size range of ≈100 µm were more toxic than those in the size range of 100-1000 µm [45].…”

Investigation of Microplastics in Surface Water and Estuarine Mullet Mugil cephalus from 23 Estuary Areas, South China

“…Generally, fibers of a transparent color were most common in freshwater ecosystems [37] and in most of the microplastics ingested by fish [21]. For example, the main type of microplastics found in M. cephalus (48.9%) in the cities' streams of East Anatolia of Türkiye was fiber (48.9%), and the dominant color was black (83.0%) [38]. Of the 249 microplastics found in the GITs of fish in Sydney Harbour, 83% were fibrous and 17% were granular in shape [16].…”