In vivo biotoxicological assessment of nanoplastics and microplastics predicted using the zebrafish model

Abstract

Nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental pollutants that have raised concerns due to their potential impacts on human health. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been widely used as a model organism to study the toxicity of NPs and MPs and to evaluate the effects of these pollutants on human health. This review summarizes recent studies on the toxicities and potential effects of NPs and MPs in zebrafish and discusses how findings from this model can help predict their impact on human health. Additionally, the mechanisms by which NPs and MPs affect biological processes, such as growth, development, behavior, immune function, reproduction, and the nervous system, in zebrafish are further illustrated. Taken together, zebrafish serve as a valuable model for predicting the potential effects of NPs and MPs on human health and highlight the growing concern surrounding these environmental pollutants.