Toxic effects of microplastics (polyethylene) exposure on acetylcholinesterase, stress indicators and immunity in Korean Bullhead, Pseudobagrus fulvidraco

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments can have toxic effects on various organisms, including fish. This study exposed Pseudobagrus fulvidraco to polyethylene MPs at 0, 10 mg/L (approximately 9.50 ×10⁸ particles/L), 20 mg/L (approximately 1.9 ×10⁹ particles/L), 5000 mg/L (approximately 4.75 ×10¹¹ particles/L), and 10,000 mg/L (approximately 9.50 ×10¹¹ particles/L) concentrations for 96 h. At relatively lower MPs concentrations (0, 10 and 20 mg/L), no significant changes were observed in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, stress indicators (heat shock protein 70 and cortisol), or immune responses (lysozyme activity and immunoglobulin M levels). However, at higher MPs concentrations (5000 and 10,000 mg/L), AChE activity was significantly inhibited, stress indicators were significantly increased, and immune responses were significantly decreased. Our results indicate that acute exposure of P. fulvidraco to MPs had negligible effects at concentrations below 20 mg/L, whereas significant toxic effects such as AChE activity inhibition, stress responses, and immune suppression were observed at concentrations above 5000 mg/L. Therefore, our study highlights the risks of severe MPs pollution on aquatic ecosystems and fish health.