Microplastic Interference with Fipronil Toxicity to Zebrafish Embryonic Development

Environmental contamination from mixtures of chemical substances and materials resulting from anthropogenic activities has adverse effects on aquatic biota. Fipronil (FP) is an insecticide widely used in agriculture and public health and is frequently detected in environmental compartments. Microplastics (MPs) represent another class of contaminants that have raised concerns due to their ability to adsorb pollutants, potentially acting as a vector. This study evaluated the influence of polyethylene microplastics on the toxicity of FP in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos/larvae. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to aqueous suspension containing purified FP and the FP + MP mixtures for 120 h. Mortality, teratogenicity and cardiotoxicity were observed during the zebrafish development. Larvae were more sensitive to FP than the embryo. The presence of MPs reduced lethality; however, no significant changes were observed for sublethal endpoints. Our findings demonstrate the acute impact of FP on zebrafish embryos/larvae, demonstrating that MPs interfere with toxicity. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of interaction between contaminants of different classes is essential for predicting the associated risks to biota.