Particulate matter and nanoplastics: synergistic impact on Artemia salina

Abstract

Global air pollution presents substantial risks to both human health and the environment. Particulate Matter (PM) adversely affects ecosystems through pollution, bioaccumulation, and endangerment of aquatic organisms. These contaminants enter water systems via precipitation and industrial runoff, damaging aquatic invertebrates through physical, physiological, and molecular mechanisms, leading to developmental issues and organ toxicity. This study investigates the combined toxicological effect of environmental exposure to polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles and varying PM concentrations from indoor and outdoor dust particles on Artemia salina. Our findings reveal noteworthy elevations in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in air conditioner (AC) dust and PM_2.5 exposures, highlighting potential health risks associated with high particulate contamination. Conversely, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased, indicating harm to enzyme systems. In contrast, catalase activity (CAT) increased, suggesting a compensatory response to oxidative stress induced by Polystyrene (PS) and suspended particulate pollutants. These results underscore the severe oxidative stress experienced by marine zooplankton when exposed to PM_2.5 combined with NPs, potentially impairing growth. Further research should explore the combined toxicological effects of PM_2.5 and NPs on other marine species and investigate long-term exposure effects and bioaccumulation pathways. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate NP pollution and protect human health and aquatic ecosystems.