ItemArticle

Microplastic pollution and its ecotoxicological impact: Evidence from Vembanad Lake and zebrafish studies

Title
Microplastic pollution and its ecotoxicological impact: Evidence from Vembanad Lake and zebrafish studies
Creator
Suresh, Nivya; Joseph, Manu M.
Description
Microplastic (MP) contamination is a threat to Earth and its aquatic systems by destabilizing ecological equilibrium. This study examined the distribution and impact of MPs in Vembanad Lake, an urbanized estuarine system in Kerala, India. MPs were identified at every sampling location, while sites 2, 3, and 4 exhibited peak contamination levels of 79 MPs/L. A survey among local inhabitants reported a decline in fish populations over many years. Analytical characterization using SEM, EDS, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy revealed the dominance of HDPE, LDPE, PS, PET, PP, and PVC polymers. The presence of chromium (Cr), sodium (Na), aluminum (Al), and silica (SiO?) in MPs further enhances additional toxicity risks. Zebrafish exposed to the prevalent MPs for 21 days exhibited severe epithelial necrosis alongside goblet cell hyperplasia and muscle fiber degeneration, demonstrating systemic cytotoxic effects. These findings underscore the ecological threat of MP pollution and emphasize the urgent need for mitigation strategies to protect aquatic biodiversity. 2025 Elsevier B.V.
Source
Regional Studies in Marine Science;Volume;93;Issue;;Article No.;104705;
Date
01-01-2026
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Subject
Fish population dynamics; Microplastics (MPs); Raman spectroscopy; Toxicity; Water pollution
Coverage
Suresh N., Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560029, India; Joseph M.M., Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560029, India
Rights
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
Relation
ISSN: 23524855;
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Suresh, Nivya; Joseph, Manu M., “Microplastic pollution and its ecotoxicological impact: Evidence from Vembanad Lake and zebrafish studies,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 18, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/22445.

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