Nanoplastics, defined as plastic particles under 100 nanometers, result from the degradation of larger plastics such as bottles and bags. They pose significant risks to ecosystems, including potential disruptions in the food chain, due to their ability to penetrate biological organisms. A recent study by Leipzig University and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research examined the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoplastics on zebrafish embryos. The research, published in Scientific Reports, reveals that PET particles accumulate in vital organs including the liver, intestines, kidneys, and brain, leading to behavioral abnormalities and impaired liver function, linked to oxidative stress.
The study utilized high-resolution magic-angle spinning (HRMAS), an innovative method that allows non-invasive observation of metabolic pathways, showcasing how PET nanoplastics alter the biochemistry of organisms. The findings indicate serious ecological and health implications, suggesting these nanoplastics could also affect mammals and humans. Moving forward, researchers plan to investigate the impact of PET nanoplastics on brain function as their accumulation in brain tissue raises concerns about long-term neurodegenerative effects. The research underscores the urgent need to address plastic waste in the environment to mitigate these risks.
