Weathered High Density Polyethylene Microplastics Induce Proximate Imbalance in the Post Larval Stages of Litopenaeus vannamei
Leela M
PG and Research Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, Government Arts College (Autonomous), (Affiliated to University of Madras), Chennai-600 035, India.
Pushpalatha V
PG and Research Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, Government Arts College (Autonomous), (Affiliated to University of Madras), Chennai-600 035, India.
Swetha S
PG and Research Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, Government Arts College (Autonomous), (Affiliated to University of Madras), Chennai-600 035, India.
Anusuya, S
Postgraduate and Research Department of Zoology, Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai-600 030, India.
Madhavan, S
Postgraduate and Research Department of Zoology, Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai-600 030, India.
Eswari S
Postgraduate and Research Department of Zoology, Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai-600 030, India.
Krishnamurthy R *
PG and Research Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, Government Arts College (Autonomous), (Affiliated to University of Madras), Chennai-600 035, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: The fast rise in anthropogenic activity, particularly in the aquatic ecosystem, has resulted in microplastic contamination in recent years. A wide range of harsh environmental circumstances can cause stress to aquatic organisms.
Aim of the Works: This study aims to better understand the changes in proximate constituents that occur in the post larval stage on long term exposure by using a wide range of biomarkers to identify distinct and individual patterns of Litopenaeus vannamei responses to high density polyethylene microplastics.
Methodology: The post larval stage of Litopenaeus vannamei were exposed to wHDPE-MP for 45 days in order to evaluate changes in proximate constituents such as crude protein, fibre, amino acids ash and moisture contents were measured during the period of exposure. Similar measurements were made following a 15-day recovery interval to track any changes that might take place during depuration periods.
Results: The proximate constituents including crude protein, fats, fibre and ash contents decreased significantly following exposure of L. vannamei to 0.2 mg/L of wHDPE-MP for 45 days. These values during depuration demonstrated notable variations from the corresponding control group and did not indicate any recovery from the microplastic-induced stress.
Conclusions: The current study found a significant correlation between stress and alterations in the proximate constituents. Post larval stages exposed to wHDPE-MP had changes in the growth pattern and proximate constituents. Overall, the results indicate to post larval stages as the most vulnerable to wHDPE-MP, which will have an impact on white prawn growth and have repercussions for the aquaculture sector.
Keywords: Litopenaeus vannamei, proximate constituents, weathered microplastics, stress, chronic exposure