Presentation Details
| The effects of microplastic exposure on olfactory-driven behavior in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) Levi Storks, Amira S.Abuhmoud, Samina F.Abedi, Zayna Hamdan, Brandon T.Kenaya, Mona Khalil, Luna N.Sharak, Rachelle M.Belanger. University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI, USA |
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a pervasive threat to aquatic ecosystems, with microplastics (< 5 mm) and nanoplastics (< 1 µm) accumulating in organisms and potentially disrupting physiological processes. In fish, olfactory neurons are directly exposed to suspended particles, making the olfactory system a vulnerable target of plastic exposure. Because olfaction is critical for foraging, predator detection, and social interactions, impairments may have significant ecological consequences. We exposed fathead minnows to polystyrene microplastics (30 µm) and nanoplastics (0.5 µm) for 28 days (0 or 1 mg/L), then assessed behavioral responses to L-alanine, taurocholic acid, and conspecific alarm cue using SLEAP and SimBA. Fish showed preference for L-alanine, no response to taurocholic acid, and avoidance of alarm cue. Microplastic exposure only altered responses to L-alanine. These findings suggest selective disruption of food-related olfactory behavior, with potential impacts on survival and fitness.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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