Impaired growth performance of wami tilapia juveniles (oreochromis urolepis) (norman, 1922) due to microplastic induced degeneration of the small intestine
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
Microplastics-induced histopathological changes in gastrointestinal tracts of fish have been
widely reported. However, the translation of adverse effects in the gut to impacts on growth are
understudied. This study investigated the effect of MP-induced small intestinal histomorphological
changes on growth performance of Oreochromis urolepis juveniles. Sixty larvae were exposed in
control (0), 1, 10, and 100 polyethylene microplastic particles (PE MPs)/mL treatment groups. On
day 65, juveniles were euthanized, dissected, and biometric data were taken. Small intestine histo-
morphological lesion index (HLI) was calculated following histological preparation using routine
hematoxylin and eosin procedure. Results showed increase in HLI proportional to PE MPs exposure
dose. These deteriorations equally reduced growth in final weight, weight gain and total length
(One-Way ANOVA, p > 0.05), and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) (Kruskal–Wallis Test, p > 0.05), though
there were insignificant differences between treatment groups. Condition factors of fishes in control
and 1 PE MPs differed significantly and with other treatment groups (Tukey HSD, p < 0.05). Small
intestines HLI correlated significantly with growth pattern (Spearman, r = 1.00, p = 0.01), condition
factors (Pearson, r = − 0.995, p < 0.05), final weight, weight gain, and total length (Spearman, r = − 1.00,
p = 0.01) but not with SGR. The allometric growth pattern changed towards isometric corresponding
to increasing HLI. These findings suggest that MPs damaged small intestine structure and thus
impaired digestion and nutrients absorption functions which disrupted growth. Such effects may
impair juveniles’ ability to escape enemies, find food, and eventually reproduce, and therefore require
further study.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Microplastics, Histomorphological lesion indices, Growth performance, Length-weight relationship, Oreochromis urolepis, Physical parameters, Ingestion