Assessment of microplastic-sorbed contaminant bioavailability through analysis of biomarker gene expression in larval zebrafish. Issue 1 (15th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sleight, Victoria A.; Bakir, Adil; Thompson, Richard C.; Henry, Theodore B.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 116:Issue 1/2(2017)
• Page Start: 291
• Page End: 297
• Publication Date: 2017-03-15
• Subjects: Danio rerio -- Microplastics -- Phenanthrene -- 17α-ethinylestradiol -- Sorption -- Bioavailability; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.12.055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in marine ecosystems. Because toxicants (termed here "co-contaminants") can sorb to MPs, there is potential for MPs to alter co-contaminant bioavailability. Our objective was to demonstrate sorption of two co-contaminants with different physicochemistries [phenanthrene (Phe), log10 Kow = 4.57; and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), log10 Kow = 3.67] to MPs; and assess whether co-contaminant bioavailability was increased after MP settlement. Bioavailability was indicated by gene expression in larval zebrafish. Both Phe and EE2 sorbed to MPs, which reduced bioavailability by a maximum of 33% and 48% respectively. Sorption occurred, but was not consistent with predictions based on co-contaminant physicochemistry (Phe having higher log10 Kow was expected to have higher sorption). Contaminated MPs settled to the bottom of the exposures did not lead to increased bioavailability of Phe or EE2. Phe was 48% more bioavailable than predicted by a linear sorption model, organism-based measurements therefore contribute unique insight into MP co-contaminant bioavailability. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Microplastics (MPs) sorb contaminants Bioavailability of MP-sorbed contaminant was not well predicted by physicochemistry. Analytical chemistry did not accurately predict contaminant bioavailability. Organism-based measurements of contaminant bioavailability provided unique insight. Bioavailability of contaminants was not increased by MPs.