Eco-sustainability of periphyton-inhabited polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) inferred by in vivo zebrafish embryo oxidative and steatosis responses

The growing use of synthetic materials in aquaculture, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fibre reinforced plastic (FRP), has prompted concerns regarding their environmental and biological safety. Despite their durability and cost-effectiveness, the ecological impact of these materials, especially when colonized by periphyton, remains underexplored. This study investigates the developmental and physiological responses of zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) exposed to water containing periphyton-covered PVC and FRP sheets. Survivability, morphological development, hatching success, heart rate, and cellular responses were evaluated to understand potential toxic effects. While periphyton biofilms were expected to promote ecological compatibility, findings revealed that both periphyton-inhabited PVC and FRP adversely affected embryonic development. Notable effects included delayed hatching, elevated mortality, and increased oxidative stress. However, PVC exhibited relatively higher biocompatibility, causing fewer disruptions to embryo viability and cellular function compared to FRP. At the molecular level, FRP induced stronger toxic responses, likely due to its chemical composition and more aggressive interaction with developing embryos. In contrast, PVC's material characteristics and associated biofilm interactions were less harmful. The study highlights the importance of assessing both material type and biofilm dynamics in aquaculture systems and supports the shift toward eco-compatible infrastructure for sustainable aquatic practices.