Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Polystyrene Microplastics Increases Hexavalent Chromium Toxicity in Aquatic Animals

The prevalence of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and microplastics (MPs) is ubiquitous and is considered a threat to aquatic biota. MPs can act as a vector for waterborne metals; however, the combined effects of Cr(VI) and MPs on aquatic organisms are largely unknown. In this study, aquatic model animals, such as rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus and B. plicatilis), water fleas (Daphnia magna), amphipods (Hyalella azteca), polychaetes (Perinereis aibuhitensis), and zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to environmental concentrations (1, 10, and 100 particles L−1) of 1 μm polystyrene MPs alone, Cr(VI) alone, or Cr(VI) combined with MPs. Following exposure, the potential effects were measured by analyzing basic life endpoints (e.g., survival rate and growth). A significant response to MPs alone was not observed in all animals. However, MPs combined with Cr(VI) concentration-dependently increased Cr(VI) toxicity in two rotifer species. The survival rate of water fleas was significantly reduced upon exposure to Cr(VI) + MPs (100 particles L−1) compared with exposure to Cr(VI) alone, and significantly decreased the number of offspring. Although there was no significant effect on the body length of the amphipod, concentration-dependent decreases in their survival rates were observed. In contrast, no significant change was found in the survival rate of polychaetes; however, their burrowing ability was inhibited by Cr(VI) + MPs (100 particles L−1). Further, larval mortality was increased in response to Cr(VI) + MPs (100 particles L−1) in zebrafish. Taken together, the findings suggest that MPs can exacerbate Cr(VI) toxicity, even at environmental levels.