Do foodborne polyethylene microparticles affect the health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)?

Highlights: • Toxicity of foodborne polyethylene microparticles for rainbow trout was tested. • Haematological profile and innate immunity were compromised. • Inflammation of gill tissue was confirmed by lipid peroxidation and histology. • Hepatodystrophies and increased tnfa and il8 were reported for liver. • Higher tnfa and il8 expression and histological findings confirmed kidney damage. Due to the fact that plastic pollution is a global environmental problem of modern age, studies on the impact of these synthetic materials on aquatic, and especially fish organisms, are an important part of the ecosystem and human nutrition. In our study, the toxicity of pristine polyethylene (PE) microparticles (approx. 50 μm) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was tested in three different dietary concentrations – 0.5%, 2% and 5%. After six weeks of exposure, various health indices were evaluated. Electron microscopy of the intestine revealed the disintegration of PE particles to O. mykiss. The potential problem for aquatic ecosystems and even human consumption should be considered.