Environmental microplastics (EMPs) exposure alter the differentiation potential of mesenchymal stromal cells.

Humans are exposed to environmental microplastic (MPs) that can be frequent in surrounding environment. The mesenchymal stromal cells are a heterogeneous population, which contain fibroblasts and stromal cells, progenitor cells and stem cells. They are part of the stromal component of most tissue and organs in our organisms. Any injury to their functions may impair tissue renewal and homeostasis. We evaluated the effects of different size MPs that could be present in water bottles on human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) and adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs). MPs of polyethylene terephthalate (MPs-PET) (<1 µm and <2.6 µm) were tested in this study. PET treatments induced a reduction in proliferating cells (around 30%) associated either with the onset of senescence or increase in apoptosis. The AMSCs and BMMSCs exposed to PET showed an alteration of differentiation potential. AMSCs remained in an early stage of adipocyte differentiation as shown by high levels of mRNA for Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) (7.51 vs 1.00) and reduction in Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) mRNA levels (0.5 vs 1.0). A loss of differentiation capacity was also observed for the osteocyte phenotype in BMMSCs. In particular, we observed a reduction in Bone Gamma-Carboxy glutamate Protein (BGLAP) (0.4 for PET1 and 0.6 for PET2.6 vs 0.1 CTRL) and reduction in Osteopontin (SPP1) (0.3 for PET 1 and 0.64 for PET 2.6 vs 0.1 CTRL). This pioneering mesenchymal cell response study demonstrated that environmental microplastic could be bioavailable for cell uptake and may further lead to irreversible diseases.

Microplastics in fillets of Mediterranean seafood. A risk assessment study.

Microplastics (MPs) are considered as emergent threat to human health. No complete data still exists on MPs presence in fish tissue and their transmission to humans. The present study aims to detect and quantify the presence of MPs (<3 µm) in several edible seafood (Sardina pilchardus, wild and farmed Sparus aurata, Mullus surmuletus, Solea solea and musselMytilus galloprovincialis) from the south coast of Mediterranean Sea. MPs were detected through an innovative extraction method coupled to the SEM-EDX technology. The Estimated Daily Intakes (EDIs) for adults and children for each species were calculated. The higher median level (IQR) of MPs (9.09E+04) was found inM. surmuletus. Conversely, the lower median (IQR) level was observed in S. pilchardus (7.04E+04). The smallest and biggest median (IQR)diameter of MPs (1.8 and 2.5 µm) were identified in M. galloprovincialisand S. solea, respectively. The highest EDIs (25.50E+03; 48.09E+03) arefor ingestion of farmedS. auratarespectively for adults and children. Instead, the lowest EDIs (2.37E+02; 4.48E+02) are due to M. galloprovincialisingestion for adults and children, respectively. Our data should be carefully considered in view of the direct exposure of humans to plastic particles under 3 µm through seafood consumption to better manage the related risks.

The Effect of Nickel Exposure on Oxidative Stress of Vicia faba Plants.

Heavy metal contamination is a serious threat for terrestrial ecosystems. Thus, they could be accumulated in living organisms leading consequently to harmful consequences. In this context, the present work aims to evaluate the effects of four increasing Nickel (Ni) nominal concentrations (T: 0 mg/kg, C1: 150 mg/kg, C2: 250 mg/kg, C3: 500 mg/kg) on agronomic and biochemical parameters in bean (Vicia faba) plants. The measured exposure concentrations were in the range of 96.69%-104.18% of the nominal concentrations. Bean's responses were evaluated at biometric levels, chlorophyll content and biochemical parameters namely catalase glutation-S-transferase activities and malondialdehyde content, in booth parts of plants. Our data revealed a marked negative effect of Ni exposure on bean plant development and chlorophyll content. Biochemical biomarkers reported that plants anti-oxidative defense system has been significantly affected specially in roots at the high Ni concentration. Briefly, resistance mechanisms of Vicia faba to Ni seem to imply an activation of the antioxidant system and a limitation of the reactive oxygen species.

The impact of acute cold water stress on blood parameters, mortality rate and stress-related genes in Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis mossambicus and their hybrids.

This study aims to evaluated the response of Oreochromissp. to cold stress. Two experiments were conducted involving a total of 1080 juvenile Oreochromis niloticus, O. mossambicus, O. niloticus♂ × O.mossambicus♀=F1♂ × O.mossambicus ♀ (Hybrid 1; H1) and O. mossambicus♂ × O. niloticus♀ (Hybrid 2; H2). In the 1st experiment, fish were exposed to cold water (12 °C) for 24 h and then hematological parameters, serum biochemical variables, innate immune responses, antioxidant status, and liver gene expression responses (hsp70, hsp27, hsp90, hsp40, cat, sod, eef1a1 and calreticulin) were analyzed. Hematological and serum biochemical responses involved species-specific differences. At optimal temperatures (28 °C), respiratory burts activity (RBA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) values of H1, H2 and O. mossambicus were significantly higher than O. niloticus (p< 0.05). While the RBAvalue of O. mossambicus decreased after exposure to cold water (p< 0.05), lysozyme activities of O. niloticus and H2 and MPO activities of all experimental fish increased significantly (p< 0.05). At control conditions (28 °C), cortisol levels were found to be higher in O. mossambicus than in H1 and O. niloticus (p< 0.05). A significant increase in cat and sod transcripts was observed in liver of fish being very pronounced in O. mossambicus and H2. The highest up-regulation was observed for hsp70 target where the lowest but significant up-regulation was observed for hsp90 gene. In 2nd experiment, water temperature was gradually decrease from 28 °C to 12 °C (average, 1 °C/1 h).Survival rates of H1 and H2 were found to be different compared to O. mossambicus and O. niloticus (p< 0.05) after 20 days of cold water challenge.O. mossambicus was the most cold-sensitive group, followed by the H2, H1 and O. niloticus. Our data should be carfully considered in view of the possible physiological and anti-stressor responses being species-specific in fish.

Micro- and nano-plastics in edible fruit and vegetables. The first diet risks assessment for the general population.

Microplastics (MPs) represent a current public health concern since toxicity has not yet fully investigated. They were found in several foods, but to the best of our knowledge, at this time no data was reported for the edible vegetables and fruits. We focused on diet exposure aiming to evaluate the number and the size (<10 µm) of MPs in the most commonly consumed vegetables and fruits, in relation to their recommended daily intake too. MPs extraction and analysis were carried out using an innovative Italian methodology and SEM-EDX, respectively. Finally, we calculated the Estimated Daily Intakes (EDIs) for adults and children for each type of vegetal and fruit. The higher median (IQR) level of MPs in fruit and vegetable samples was 223,000 (52,600-307,750) and 97,800 (72,175-130,500), respectively. In particular, apples were the most contaminated fruit samples, while carrot was the most contaminated vegetable. Conversely, the lower median (IQR) level was observed in lettuce samples 52,050 (26,375-75,425). Both vegetable and fruit samples MPs levels were characterized by wide variability. The smallest size of MPs was found in the carrot samples (1.51 µm), while the biggest ones were found in the lettuce (2.52 µm). Both vegetable and fruit samples had size of the MPs characterized by low variability. We found the highest median level of MPs in samples purchased from the "fruiter 3" (124,900 p/g) and the lowest in those purchased in "supermarket" (87,600 p/g). The median size of the MPs had overlapping dimensions in all the purchase sites, with the exception of the samples purchased at the "shop at km zero 2″ which had slightly smaller size (1.81 µm). The highest adults' (4.62 E+05) and children's (1.41 E+06) EDIs are due the ingestion of apples, instead the lowest are due to the ingestion of carrots (adults: 2.96 E+04; children: 1.15 E+05). We hypothesized that the mechanism of uptake and translocation of MPs can be the same described and reported for carbon-nanomaterials. This may be a possible translocation route of MPs by environment to vegetables permitting, so, the translocation or uptake inside of their biological systems. Based on the results obtained it is urgent important to perform toxicological and epidemiological studies to investigate for the possible effects of MPs on human health.

First evidence on protective effect of exogenous melatonin supplementation against disruption of the estrogenic pathway in bone metabolism of killifish (Aphanius fasciatus).

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of exposure to estrogen antagonist nafoxidine hydrochloride (NH) and/or melatonin (Mlt) on certain bone metabolism parameters in killifish Aphanius fasciatus, a species suggested to be a suitable model for studying spinal deformities such as scoliosis. Immature females of A. fasciatus receiving 10 µg/L NH and/or 100 µg/L of Mlt were used and were sacrificed 30 days after the treatment. The spinal column, brain, and liver were collected and analyzed by various histological, biochemical, chemical, and molecular investigations. NH exposure increased frequency of histological alterations and caused signs of spinal column demineralization such as significant decrease in the percentage of nonorganic components content and calcium concentration. These changes were accompanied by decreased alkaline phosphatase activity (AP), hepatic insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) content, and, interestingly, cerebral Mlt concentration. Concomitant treatment with Mlt and NH enhanced expression of the gene encoding the Mlt receptor "mtnr1aa"and significantly restored the normal skeletal histology and the normal metabolism bone parameters. Our data suggest that disturbance of estrogen pathway in A. fasciatus induces cerebral Mlt depletion and, then, causes skeletal tissue alterations and bone demineralization and that exogenous Mlt supplementation has a protective effect. Thus, estrogen receptor antagonists and Mlt become important compounds to consider for the accurate prediction and assessment of bone physiology and spinal deformities in fish.

Melatonin protects bone against cadmium-induced toxicity via activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Among heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic for health due to it accumulation in several tissues including bone. Since melatonin (MLT) favors new bone formation through several pathways including Wnt/ß-catenin, here we assessed whether MLT has a protective role against Cd induced toxicity in the rat bone tissue. Adult male Wistar rats receiving 50 mg CdCl2/L and/or 3 mg/L MLT were used and were sacrificed 30 days after the treatment. Femurs and plasma were collected and analyzed by various biochemicals, molecular and histological investigation. The results showed that Cd exposure induced bone disorder characterized by histopathological alterations, a decreased alkaline phosphatase activity and plasmatic concentration of osteocalcin. Moreover, also the expression levels of some osteogenic-related genes (Runx2, Ocn and Alp) were down-regulated after Cd treatment. Since mechanistically Cd toxicity reduced the Kinase activity of GSK3ß and protein levels of Wnt3a and ß-catenin, we observed that MLT administration significantly ameliorated the toxic effects induced by the metal. Our findings provide clues about a potential protective effect of MLT against Cd-induced bone metabolism destruction and that the protection was partially mediated via the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Impact of Intensive Farming on Soil Heavy Metal Accumulation and Biomarkers Responses of Earthworms Eisenia andrei.

In this work, we propose to evaluate the effect of agriculture intensification under greenhouses on the biochemical and transcriptomic responses of the earthworms Eisenia andrei. This work was conducted on two sites in Téboulba and Sahline (Monastir governorate) and a control site in an experimental plot that is undergoing organic farming. For this purpose, the earthworms Eisenia andrei were exposed to the soils during 7 and 14 days. The physicochemical properties of the soils were analyzed. The biochemical biomarkers of metallothioneins (MTs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulations were also assessed. Moreover, the gene expression level of the MTs was analyzed. The results of our study revealed a significant trace element accumulation accompanied by a high level of MDA and MT proteins. Moreover, a significant expression of the MT gene was observed in earthworms exposed to the soils from Sahline and Téboulba. Hence, this work reveals that intensive agriculture can affect the biological responses of earthworms and consequently, the soil's biofertility.

Early and efficient induction of antioxidant defense system in Mytilus galloprovincialis embryos exposed to metals and heat stress.

The present study aims to elucidate the stress response of early life stages of Mytilus galloprovincialis to the combine effects of selected metals and elevated temperature. For this purpose, we investigated the response of a large panel of oxidative stress markers such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substrates (TBARS) concentration) and metallothionein accumulation (MT) as well as selected gene transcription level and metal accumulation in mussels larvae exposed to a sub-lethal concentration of Cu (9.54µg/L), Ag (2.55µg/L) and mixture of the two metals (Cu (6.67µg/L)+Ag (1.47µg/L)) along with a temperature gradient (18, 20 and 22°C) for 48h. Cu and Ag applied as single or mixture were differentially accumulated in mussel larvae according to the exposure temperature. Sod, cat, gst and mt-10 gene transcription levels showed an important increase in larvae exposed to Cu, Ag or to the mix compared to the control condition at 18°C. The same pattern but with higher induction levels was recorded in larvae co-exposed to metals at 20°C. At 22°C, a significant decrease in mRNA abundance of cat, gst and sod and a significant up-regulation of mts targets (mt10 and mt20) were observed. RESULTS: suggest that co-exposure to metals and moderate elevated temperature (20 and 22°C) significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and caused an increase of metal and metallothionein concentrations. In contrast, no significant change in lipid peroxidation products measured as TBARS content was observed indicating a protective response of anti-oxidative system. This study provides first evidences of the early and efficient protective response of antioxidant defense mechanisms in mussel's early life stages facing in multi stressors situations.

Mode of action of Cr(VI) in immunocytes of earthworms: Implications for animal health.

Chromium (Cr) is one of the major and most detrimental pollutant, widely present in the environment as a result of several anthropogenic activities. In mammalian cells, Cr(VI) is known to enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and to cause toxic and genotoxic effects. Less commonly investigated are the effects and mode of action of this contaminant in invertebrates, particularly in soil organisms. In this work, earthworms of the species Eisenia andrei were exposed for 1 and 3 days to various sublethal concentrations of Cr(VI) (2, 15, 30µgmL-1) using the paper contact toxicity test. In amoeboid leukocytes we investigated intracellular ROS and lipoperoxide production, oxidative DNA damage, and the effects on different cell functions. The analysis of the results shows that Cr(VI) triggered severe adverse reactions; the first events were an increase of intracellular ROS levels, generating in the cells oxidative stress conditions leading to membrane lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage. Lysosomes showed relevant changes such as a strong membrane destabilization, which was accompanied by an increased catabolism of cytoplasmic proteins and accumulation of lipofuscin. With an increase in the dose and/or time of exposure, the physiological status of intracellular organelles (such as lysosomes, nucleus and mitochondria) showed further impairment and amoebocyte immune functions were adversely affected, as shown by the decrease of the phagocytic activity. By mapping the responses of the different parameters evaluated, diagnostic of (oxidative) stress events, against lysosomal membrane stability, a "health status" indicator (able to describe the stress syndrome from its early phase to pathology), we have shown that this biomarker is suitable as a prognostic test for health of earthworms. This is viewed as a crucial step toward the derivation of explanatory frameworks for prediction of pollutant impact on animal health.

Combined effects of n-TiO2 and 2,3,7,8-TCDD in Mytilus galloprovincialis digestive gland: A transcriptomic and immunohistochemical study.

Despite the growing concern over the potential biological impact of nanoparticles (NPs) in the aquatic environment, little is known about their interactions with other pollutants. In the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, exposure to nanosized titanium dioxide (n-TiO2), one of the most widespread type of NPs in use, in combination with and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (TCDD), chosen as model organic xenobiotic, was shown to induce significant changes in different biomarkers in hemocytes, gills and digestive gland, with distinct effects depending on cell/tissue and type of response measured. In this work, the interactive effects of n-TiO2 and TCDD at the tissue level were further investigated in mussel digestive gland using an integrated approach transcriptomics/immunohistochemistry. Mussels were exposed to n-TiO2 (100µgL(-1)) and TCDD (0.25µgL(-1)), alone and in combination, for 96h. Transcriptomic analysis identified 48-, 49- and 62 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in response to n-TiO2, TCDD and n-TiO2/TCDD, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) term analysis revealed distinct biological processes affected in different experimental conditions. n-TiO2 mainly up-regulated cytoskeletal genes, while TCDD up-regulated endocrine and signal transduction related processes. Co-exposure induced transcriptional changes common to individual treatments, and identified a newly generated process, response to chemical stimulus. Transcription of selected genes was verified by qPCR. Moreover, expression of tubulin, as an example of target protein of interest identified by gene transcription data, was evaluated in tissue sections by immunolabelling. Tissue TCDD accumulation was evaluated by immunofluorescence with an anti-dioxins antibody. The results demonstrate both distinct and interactive effects of n-TiO2 and TCDD in mussel digestive gland at the molecular and tissue level, identify the main molecular targets involved, and underline how exposure to the n-TiO2/TCDD mixture does not result in increased TCDD accumulation and overall stressful conditions in the tissue. These represent the first data on transcriptional responses of marine invertebrates to exposure not only to n-TiO2 as a model of NP, but also to a legacy contaminant like TCDD.

Transcriptional expression levels and biochemical markers of oxidative stress in the earthworm Eisenia andrei after exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D).

This study investigated the stress response of earthworms (Eisenia andrei) to exposure to a commonly used herbicide, 2,4 dichloro-phenoxy-acetic acid (2,4-D). We evaluated both stress biomarkers and the transcriptional expression levels and activity of three enzymes involved in oxidative stress responses. Earthworms were exposed to three sublethal concentration of 2,4-D (3.5, 7, and 14 mg kg(-1)) for 7 and 14 days. Exposure to 7 and 14 mg kg(-1) 2,4-D significantly reduced both worm body weight and lysosomal membrane stability (LMS); the latter is a sensitive stress biomarker in coelomocytes. Exposure to 2,4-D caused a pronounced increase in the accumulation of malonedialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, and significantly increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD),and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Compared to expression in controls, the expression levels of the sod, cat, and gst genes increased in worms exposed to all three 2,4-D doses for 7 days. However, after 14 days of exposure, only the expression of the gst gene remained higher than controls. These data provide new insights into the cytotoxicity of 2,4-D in the earthworm E. andrei and should be carefully considered in view of the biological effects of herbicides in soils organisms.

Proteomic analysis in caged Mediterranean crab (Carcinus maenas) and chemical contaminant exposure in Téboulba Harbour, Tunisia.

This study uses proteomics approach to assess the toxic effects of contaminants in the Mediterranean crab (Carcinus maenas) after transplantation into Téboulba fishing harbour. High levels of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in sediments. Although their effects on vertebrates are well described, little is known about their early biological effects in marine invertebrates under realistic conditions. Protein expression profiles of crabs caged for 15, 30 and 60 days were compared to unexposed animals. Nineteen proteins with significant expression differences were identified by capLC-µESI-IT MS/MS and homology search on databases. Differentially expressed proteins were assigned to five different categories of biological function including: (1) chitin catabolism, (2) proteolysis, (3) exoskeleton biosynthesis, (4) protein folding and stress response, and (5) transport. The proteins showing major expression changes in C. maenas after different caging times may be considered as novel molecular biomarkers for effectively biomonitoring aquatic environment contamination.

Effect of thyroid disruption on ovarian development following maternal exposure to Bisphenol S.

Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, including reproduction. Bisphenol S (BPS) is a structural analog of Bisphenol A known for its toxic effects. Interference of this substitute with normal thyroid function has been described. To investigate the effect of thyroid disruption on ovarian development following maternal exposure to BPS, female rats were exposed, daily, to either AT 1-850 (a thyroid hormone receptor antagonist) (10 nmol/rat) or BPS (0.2 mg/kg) during gestation and lactation. The effects on reproductive outcome, offspring development, histological structures, hormone levels, oxidative status, cytoskeleton proteins expression, and oocyte development gene expression were examined. Our results are in favor of offspring ovarian development disruption due to thyroid disturbance in adult pregnant females. During both fetal and postnatal stages, BPS considerably altered the histological structure of the thyroid tissue as well as oocyte and follicular development, which led to premature ovarian failure and stimulation of oocyte atresia, being accompanied with oxidative stress, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis disorders, and cytoskeletal dynamic disturbance. Crucially, our study underscores that BPS may induce reproductive toxicity by blocking nuclear thyroid hormone receptors, evidenced by the parallelism and the perfect meshing between the data obtained following exposure to AT 1-850 and those after the treatment by this substitute.

Co-exposure to environmental microplastic and the pesticide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) induce distinctive alterations in the metabolome and microbial community structure in the gut of the earthworm Eisenia andrei.

Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as emergent pollutants and have become a significant environmental concern, especially when combined with other contaminants. In this study, earthworms, specifically Eisenia andrei, were exposed to MPs (at a concentration of 10 µg kg-1 of soil), herbicide 2,4-D (7 mg kg-1 of soil), and a combination of the two for 7 and 14 days. The chemical uptake in the earthworms was measured, and the bacterial and archaeal diversities in both the soil and earthworm gut were analyzed, along with the metabolomic profiles. Additionally, data integration of the two omics approaches was performed to correlate changes in gut microbial diversity and the different metabolites. Our results demonstrated that earthworms ingested MPs and increased 2,4-D accumulation. More importantly, high-throughput sequencing revealed a shift in microbial diversity depending on single or mixture exposition. Metabolomic data demonstrated an important modulation of the metabolites related to oxidative stress, inflammatory system, amino acids synthesis, energy, and nucleic acids metabolism, being more affected in case of co-exposure. Our investigation revealed the potential risks of MPs and 2,4-D herbicide combined exposure to earthworms and soil fertility, thus broadening our understanding of MPs' toxicity and impacts on terrestrial environments.

Unraveling the interplay between environmental microplastics and salinity stress on Mytilus galloprovincialis larval development: A holistic exploration.

The rise of plastic production has triggered a surge in plastic waste, overwhelming marine ecosystems with microplastics. The effects of climate change, notably changing salinity, have shaped the dynamics of coastal lagoons. Thus, understanding the combined impact of these phenomena on marine organisms becomes increasingly crucial. To address these knowledge gaps, we investigated for the first time the interactive effects of environmental microplastics (EMPs) and increased salinity on the early development of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae. Morphological assessments using the larval embryotoxicity test revealed larval anomalies and developmental arrests induced by EMPs and increased salinity. Transcriptomic analyses targeting 12 genes involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA repair, shell formation, and stress proteins were conducted on D-larvae uncovered the potential effects of EMPs on shell biomineralization, highlighting the role of Histidine Rich Glycoproteine (HRG) and tubulin as crucial adaptive mechanisms in Mytilus sp. in response to environmental shifts. Furthermore, we explored oxidative stress and neurotoxicity using biochemical assays. Our findings revealed a potential interaction between EMPs and increased salinity, impacting multiple physiological processes in mussel larvae. Our data contribute to understanding the cumulative effects of emerging anthropogenic pollutants and environmental stressors, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to assessing their impact on marine ecosystems.

Exposure to polymetallic contaminated sites induced toxicological effects on chicken lungs: A multi-level analysis.

Heavy metal pollution is an important environmental issue causing several hazards to organisms. In the present study, we investigated the uptake and accumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn) in chicken lungs after six months of breeding on polymetallic-contaminated area in Jebel Ressas village. Genotoxicity in term of micronuclei frequency as well as oxidative stress in term of enzymatic activities of Catalase (CAT), Glutathion-S-Transferase (GST) and malondialdehydes accumulation (MDA) were performed. In addition, gene expression levels involved in oxidative stress genes (cat, sod and gst), metal homeostasis (mt1 and mt4) and DNA metabolism (p53, bcl2, caspase 3 and DNA ligase) were detected. Exposed chicken lungs revealed an important heavy metal accumulation of Cd and Zn co-occurring with oxidative status modulation. Transcriptomic results unveiled an upregulation of oxidative stress and homeostasis genes. On the other hand, genes involved in DNA metabolism indicated cellular functioning towards cells death and apoptosis modulation. Moreover, the histopathological examination revealed lung lesions in the chickens exposed to heavy metal contamination. Our study highlights the hazardous effects of heavy metal pollution on chicken respiratory system.

Metabolomic and biochemical disorders reveal the toxicity of environmental microplastics and benzo[a]pyrene in the marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor.

Recently, the abundance of environmental microplastics (MPs) has become a global paramount concern. Besides the danger of MPs for biota due to their tiny size, these minute particles may act as vectors of other pollutants. This study focused on evaluating the toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of MPs (10 and 50 mg/kg sediment) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P, 1 µg/kg sediment), alone and in mixture, for 3 and 7 days in marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor, selected as a benthic bioindicator model. The exposure period was sufficient to confirm the bioaccumulation of both contaminants in seaworms, as well as the potential capacity of plastic particles to adsorb and vehiculate the B[a]P. Interestingly, increase of acidic mucus production was observed in seaworm tissues, indicative of a defense response. The activation of oxidative system pathways was demonstrated as a strategy to prevent lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the comprehensive Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics revealed significant disorders in amino acids metabolism, osmoregulatory process, energetic components, and oxidative stress related elements. Overall, these findings proved the possible synergic harmful effect of MPs and B[a]P even in small concentrations, which increases the concern about their long-term presence in marine ecosystems, and consequently their transfer and repercussions on marine fauna.

Abundance and distribution of environmental microplastic in edible fish and mussels from the south Mediterranean coasts.

The present study aims to address a gap of knowledge by evaluating the in-situ ability of edible wild fish (Liza aurata, Sparus aurata and Sarpa salpa) and mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to serve as environmental vectors of MPs along the eastern Algerian coastline (namely; Sidi Salem, Ain Achir and Saint Cloud). Our data showed the widespread accumulation of MPs in highly consumed fish species and mussels in Annaba coastal area. MPs were found in all investigated organisms from the three studied areas. The most common size range of MPs was between 0,45 µm and 1,22 µm. Six polymers of MPs were identified from the sampling areas; polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The data provided by this study can serve as a support for assessing the status of MPs pollution in the Algerian coast areas and the associated human health risks.

Assessing the presence of microplastic in agriculture soils irrigated with treated waste waters using Lumbricus sp.: Ecotoxicological effects.

Global water scarcity entailed the use of treated wastewater (TWW) in agriculture, however, this water can vehiculate numerous pollutants into soil and further crops such as microplastics (MPs). To date, few studies had quantified the accumulation of MPs in soils and earthworms after irrigation with TWW as well as their toxicological effects. Hence, the main objective of the present work is to evaluate the toxicity of MPs using Lumbricus sp. earthworms collected from TWW irrigated soils with an increasing gradient of time (5 years, 16 years and 24 years). MPs determination in soil, as well as in earthworms were performed. The intestinal mucus was quantified, and cytotoxicity (Lysosomal membrane stability (LMS), Catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) activities), neurotoxicity (Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE)) and genotoxicity (Micronuclei frequency (MNi)) biomarker were assessed. Our results revealed that the use of TWW rendered MPs accumulation in earthworms' tissues and induce alteration on the intestinal mucus. An important cytotoxicity time-depending was observed being associated with an increase on genotoxicity. Overall, the present investigation highlights the ecotoxicological risk associated with the use of TWWs as an important driver of MPs and consequently measures are necessary to reduce MPs in wastewater treatment plans to improve this non-conventional water quality.