Impaired Growth Performance of Wami Tilapia Juveniles (Oreochromis urolepis) (Norman, 1922) Due to Microplastic Induced Degeneration of the Small Intestine

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