Immunotoxicity and oxidative damage in Litopenaeus vannamei induced by polyethylene microplastics and copper co-exposure
Ya-Ting Chen, Ruo-Qi Xu, Jia-Wei Cheng, Reeta Rani Singhania, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng–Di Dong, Shu‐Ling Hsieh
Abstract
This study examines the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) and copper (Cu 2+ ) on the immune and oxidative response of Litopenaeus vannamei . PE-MP adsorbed with Cu 2+ at 2.3, 6.8, and 16.8 ng (g shrimp) −1 ) were injected into L. vannamei . Over 14 days, survival rates were monitored, and immune and oxidative stress parameters were assessed. The results showed that combined exposure to PE-MP and Cu 2+ significantly reduced the survival rate and decreased total haemocyte count. Immune-related parameters (phagocytic rate, phenoloxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and antioxidant-related parameters (SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase mRNA and enzyme) also decreased, while respiratory burst activity significantly increased, indicating immune and antioxidant system disruption. Additionally, there was a significant increase in oxidative stress , as measured by malondialdehyde levels. Histopathological analysis revealed severe muscle, hepatopancreas , and gill damage. These results suggest that simultaneous exposure to PE-MP and Cu 2+ poses greater health risks to white shrimp .