The aim of this study is to investigate for the first time the uptake and ecotoxicological effects of nanoplastics (NPs) in a marine cnidarian. Ephyrae of the moon jellyfish Aurelia sp. of different ages (0 and 7 days old) were exposed to negatively charged polystyrene NPs for 24 h; then, the uptake was assessed through traditional and novel techniques, namely microscopy and three-dimensional (3D) holotomography. Immobility and behavioral responses (frequency of pulsations) of ephyrae were also investigated to clarify if NP toxicity differed along the first life stages. NP uptake was observed in ephyrae thanks to the 3D technique. Such internalization did not affect survival, but it temporarily impaired the pulsation mode only in 0 day old ephyrae. This may be ascribed to the negative charged NPs, contributing to jellyfish behavioral alteration. These findings promote 3D holotomography as a suitable tool to detect NPs in marine organisms. Moreover, this study recommends the use of cnidarians of different ages to better assess NP ecotoxicological effects in these organisms, key components of the marine food web.

Nanoplastic uptake temporarily affects the pulsing behavior in ephyrae of the moon jellyfish Aurelia sp

Costa Elisa
Primo
;
Gambardella Chiara
;
Miroglio Roberta;Minetti Roberta;Sbrana Francesca;Piazza Veronica;Faimali Marco;Garaventa Francesca
2023

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate for the first time the uptake and ecotoxicological effects of nanoplastics (NPs) in a marine cnidarian. Ephyrae of the moon jellyfish Aurelia sp. of different ages (0 and 7 days old) were exposed to negatively charged polystyrene NPs for 24 h; then, the uptake was assessed through traditional and novel techniques, namely microscopy and three-dimensional (3D) holotomography. Immobility and behavioral responses (frequency of pulsations) of ephyrae were also investigated to clarify if NP toxicity differed along the first life stages. NP uptake was observed in ephyrae thanks to the 3D technique. Such internalization did not affect survival, but it temporarily impaired the pulsation mode only in 0 day old ephyrae. This may be ascribed to the negative charged NPs, contributing to jellyfish behavioral alteration. These findings promote 3D holotomography as a suitable tool to detect NPs in marine organisms. Moreover, this study recommends the use of cnidarians of different ages to better assess NP ecotoxicological effects in these organisms, key components of the marine food web.
2023
Istituto di Biofisica - IBF
Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino - IAS - Sede Secondaria Genova
Behavior
Bioassay
Ecotoxicology
Immobility
Nanoplastics
Toxicity
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Descrizione: Nanoplastic uptake temporarily affects the pulsing behavior in ephyrae of the moon jellyfish Aurelia sp
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/458219
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