Exploring micro(nano)plastics toxicity from an environmental management perspective: Zebrafish as a vital bridge for assessing potential human health risks

The pollution stemming from the unwarranted utilization and inadequate disposal of plastic products is undergoing rapid escalation. The problem of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) pollution has recently garnered significant attention, and the issue of human exposure to MNPs cannot be disregarded. However, the present state of research concerning human exposure to MNPs remains in its early stages. The inherent uncertainty and variability associated with MNPs pose significant obstacles to conducting related studies. In order to enhance comprehension of the potential health risks associated with human exposure to MNPs, the utilization of zebrafish as an assessment tool was deemed appropriate. Zebrafish, as one of the most effective toxicological models, assume a significant role in both environmental monitoring and health modeling. This study provides a review of the effects of exposure to MNPs on zebrafish. The findings demonstrate that such exposure can elicit behavioral and physiological alterations in zebrafish, subsequently resulting in a range of toxic consequences. Simultaneously, this study conducts a comparative analysis of the effects of human and zebrafish exposure to MNPs in physiology, exposure environment, and toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic, leveraging the shared characteristics between zebrafish and humans to augment comprehension regarding human exposure to MNPs. Zebrafish model plays a key role in exploring gene expression in human homologous pathways caused by MNPs exposure, and strengthens the understanding of the risk of MNPs exposure. However, physiological, metabolic, and exposure circumstances limit its extrapolation to humans. Furthermore, the reference value and challenge associated with employing zebrafish as a model to discern human health hazards linked to MNPs are assessed, accompanied by suggestions for future research endeavors.