Evidence-based meta-analysis of the genotoxicity induced by microplastics in aquatic organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations

Microplastics (MPs) attract global concern due to their ubiquitous existence in aquatic environments. However, the genotoxic effect of MPs on organisms natural environment remains controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted by recompiling 44 individual studies from 12 publications determine whether could induce genotoxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations (≤1 mg/L, median = 0.5 mg/L). Multiple endpoints were involved, including percentage DNA tail (TDNA%), length (TL), olive moment (OTM), and number micronuclei (NM), increases represented biologically adverse effects (i.e. genotoxicity). The results showed that all included tended increase after exposure MPs, among which TDNA%, TL NM significantly increased 20%, 32% 81% compared with control group, respectively. overall estimate MPs-treated groups remarkably 24%, high statistical power no obvious publication bias, suggesting evident caused MPs. In addition, magnitudes MPs-induced independent selected endpoint, MP composition, morphology, concentration duration, but closely correlated particle size, living habitat tested species. Overall, work provided a reference for health risk assessment environment, contributing our understanding action mode concentrations.