Microplastic Toxicity and Trophic Transfer in Freshwater Organisms: Ecotoxicological and Genotoxic Assessment in Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. and Echinogammarus veneris (Heller, 1865) Treated with Polyethylene Microparticles

The widespread occurrence of microplastics (MPs) has resulted in their interaction with biological processes. Thus, there is a great concern about the potential toxicity MPs on animal and plant cells possibility that reach humans through food web. In order to shed light both issues, laboratory assays were performed for evaluating effects polyethylene (PE) microparticles aquatic Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. gammarid Echinogammarus veneris (Heller, 1865). Moreover, stock MP-treated plants was used feed individuals, presence MP particles digestive tracts analyzed. Results evidenced lack toxic plants, evaluated at growth physiological level by biometric parameters, pigment content, photosynthetic performance estimated chlorophyll fluorescence imaging ETPT (EcoTox Photosystem Tool). Only slight reduction pigment-related indices observed. A remarkable genotoxic effect instead highlighted Comet assay hemocytes individuals exposed MPs, three times more DNA damage (expressed as Tail Moment) compared control ones. Finally, gut content gammarids fed revealed 7.6 particles/individual, highlighting trophic transfer among freshwater ecosystem organisms. Novel indications impact PE compartment are provided. Notably, between primary producer consumer organisms chain associated ingestion such issues web leading human diet.