Systematic review demonstrates multiorgan toxicity and cellular stress from biodegradable microplastics in fish, indicating risks comparable to conventional plastics.
Key Points
To systematically review evidence on exposure pathways, underlying toxicological mechanisms, and ecological risks of biodegradable microplastics in fish.
Conducted a systematic review synthesizing findings from 27 studies on biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) in fish.
Evaluated key polymer types including PLA, PBAT, PGA, PBS, and PHA across waterborne and dietary exposure routes.
BMPs accumulate preferentially in fish intestine, liver, and gills, triggering oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, intestinal inflammation, hepatotoxicity, and neurobehavioral abnormalities.
Toxicity is mediated by molecular cascades including NF-κB, PPARγ, Sesn2/Nrf2, and BDNF/TrkB pathways alongside gut microbiota dysbiosis.
Aged BMPs frequently exhibit heightened toxicity relative to pristine forms, showing biological risks equivalent to or exceeding those of conventional microplastics.