The Potential Toxic Effects of Ceftriaxone and Polypropylene Microplastics on Danio Rerio (Hamilton, 1822) Behaviour

Ciauşu, Ramona-Alexandra; Chelaru, Ionuț-Alexandru; Ureche, Dorel; Andronic, Gabriel-Andrei; Nicoară, Mircea Nicușor

doi:10.2478/trser-2025-0018

Abstract

The literature contains numerous studies on the individual effects of microplastics and pharmaceuticals that reach aquatic systems through various pathways. However, there are few studies that evaluate their combined effects. Ceftriaxone (CEF) and polypropylene (PP) are emerging pollutants found in the aquatic environment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of ceftriaxone (50 µg L⁻¹) and polypropylene (2 mg L⁻¹) (individually and in mixture) on the behaviour of Danio rerio. The exposure to microplastics and antibiotics, alone or combined, differentially affect Danio rerio exploratory and social behaviours, with combined exposure potentially exacerbating behavioural alterations.

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The Potential Toxic Effects of Ceftriaxone and Polypropylene Microplastics on Danio Rerio (Hamilton, 1822) Behaviour

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