Background: Microplastics pollution in aquatic ecosystems is a growing concern due to its potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Ingestion by fish and other organisms microplastics can cause poisoning, diseases and fatalities.&nbsp; 
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Methods: Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings were exposed to various microplastic concentrations: T0 as the control and T1, T2 and T3 groups were treated with 100, 150 and 200 mg/L of microplastics respectively for 28 days. Growth performance was assessed by tracking weight gain, absolute weight gain, total length and specific growth rate weekly while hematological parameters were evaluated through complete blood count (CBC) test. 
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Result: The study found that exposure to high concentrations (T3) of nylon microplastics significantly decreased the weight and length rates of Oreochromis niloticus. The condition factor and specific growth rate also showed notable changes however, survival probability remained unaffected across all groups. CBC test revealed that red blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit level, MCV and MCH decreased in higher levels of nylon microplastics exposure. In contrast, white blood cells, monocytes, eosinophils, lymphocytes and MCHC levels increased. While low concentrations showed no significant variations. The research highlighted the ecological risk of nylon microplastic pollution to freshwater fish particularly Oreochromis niloticus. 
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Effects of Microplastics (Nylon) on the Growth and Blood Profile of Oreochromis niloticus

<div>Background: Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) are persistent environmental pollutants found extensively in various ecosystems. However, their specific impact on liver function remains inadequately investigated. 
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Methods: Adult male wistar rats were orally exposed to PE-MPs (1-10 &micro;m) at doses of 0.1, 1 and 5 mg/kg/day over 28 days. Attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and fluorescence microscopy identified accumulations of PE-MPs. Liver tissues were examined histologically using Haematoxylin and Eosin staining. Oxidative stress was measured by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analyses were conducted using gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways. Key genes were validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). 
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Result: Accumulation of PE-MPs was detected in liver tissue. Histological evaluation revealed dose-dependent liver injury, including inflammatory infiltration and periportal fibrosis. Elevated MDA levels indicated increased oxidative stress via lipid peroxidation (LPO). qRT-PCR investigation confirmed the upregulation of mitochondrial dysfunction-related genes (NDUFC, UQCRH, MT-CO2), pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-&alpha;, CXCL1, IL-1&beta;) and fibrosis markers (IL-6, Col1A1, &alpha;-SMA). Transcriptomic analysis identified 189 DEGs linked with oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid metabolism pathways. Altogether, PE-MPs exposure induces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis, contributing to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) like hepatic alterations. This highlights the potential risk of PE-MPs as emerging environmental threats to liver health. 
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Effects of Microplastics (Nylon) on the Growth and Blood Profile of Oreochromis niloticus

Polyethylene Microplastics Induced Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Early Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Wistar Rats