ECOPERSIA

ECOPERSIA

Interactive Effects of Microplastics and Nickel on Subcellular Metal Partitioning and Biomarker Responses in Juvenile Cyprinus carpio L

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Masoomeh Seifi 1
Maryam Akhoundian 2
Mohsen Ahmadpour 3
Mohammad Hosein SinkaKarimi 3
1 Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
2 Marine Biology, Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
3 Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
10.48311/ecopersia.2026.119366.82878
Abstract
Aims: Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as persistent pollutants in aquatic environments, yet their interactions with dissolved metals and the resulting biological risks for fish remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of MPs and Nickel (Ni) on subcellular metal partitioning and biomarker responses in juvenile common carp (C. carpio).
Materials & Methods: Juvenile carp (n=390) were exposed for 21 days to graded concentrations of Ni (0.05, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25 mg.L-1), MPs(0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mg.L-1), and their mixtures. Subcellular fractionation was performed to quantify Ni distribution among cytosol, debris, and granules. Biochemical indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), weight change, and the Biomarker Response Index (BRI), were assessed to determine physiological stress and mixture effects.
Findings: Ni predominantly accumulated in the cytosolic fraction, but co-exposure with MPs significantly increased its retention in cellular debris (p<0.05). Debris Ni levels are strongly correlated with whole-body burden (r>0.8), MDA, and TAC. While MDA and TAC indicated moderate oxidative stress, WL revealed severe physiological impairment, with alteration levels (AL%) exceeding 100% in most treatments. The results of the Effect Addition Index (EAI) were consistent with synergistic interactions across most Ni+ MPs combinations, except at the highest concentrations, where antagonism occurred.
Conclusion: Microplastics altered Ni subcellular partitioning and intensified physiological stress in juvenile common carp, with debris-associated Ni showing the strongest relationship with oxidative stress biomarkers. Overall, the results indicate that combined exposure effects are concentration-dependent and should be considered in ecological risk assessment.
Keywords
Biomarker Response Index (BRI)
Carp
Microplastics
Nickel
Subcellular Partitioning
Subjects
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