Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) are widespread in freshwater environments, the ocean and on land. Humans are vulnerable to the widespread MNPs pollution in the environment and are exposed to them daily through oral, respiratory, and dermal contact. MNPs can physically damage the cell membrane, increase oxidative stress, and trigger inflammation in biological systems(Alimba et al., 2019). MNPs are also made up of complex chemical cocktails that can leach out of the plastics after they are ingested causing damage to cells and tissues(Hermabessiere et al., 2017). In August 2019, the World Health Organisation called for “further assessment of microplastics in the environment and their potential impacts on human health” (WHO, 2019). Knowledge gap on the toxic effects of MNPs on human beings is too scarce and needs further study.
This proposed research project will explore the potential toxic effects of micro and nanoplastics on humans. Specifically, the project will identify if these emerging contaminants effect the cardiovascular and renal system of vertebrates and humans. Zebrafish embryos, adult Zebrafish, and human cell lines (vascular smooth muscle cells, and human embryonic kidney cells) will be used as models in combination with in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo methods (toxicology, physiology, histopathology, microscopy, and molecular biology) to assess the uptake, tissue distribution, and potential toxicity of MNPs in vertebrates.
Our initial finding clearly indicated polystyrene micro (1 µm) and nano (50 nm) plastics particles showed effects on hatch rate, heart rate and blood vessel development with increased developmental deformity especially yolk sac edema in developing zebrafish embryos.