Advances in Understanding Micro‐ and Nanoplastic Toxicity on Farmed Fish and Emerging Nutritional Interventions
Abstract
ABSTRACT Micro‐ and nanoplastics (MNPs), encompassing microplastics (MPs, diameters < 5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, diameters < 100 nm), threaten the health of farmed fish and the safety of aquatic products through contaminated water and feed. Nutritional modulation is recognized as a critical strategy to enhance fish resilience against environmental stressors, but targeted MNPs toxicity interventions are nascent. This review analyzed the distribution features of MNPs in aquatic environments and fish, and elucidated toxicity mechanisms—including reduced feed utilization, physical abrasion, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota disruption. It also highlighted nutritional strategies to mitigate MNPs toxicity: macronutrient (protein and energy) optimization balances metabolism, micronutrient (vitamins, selenium, and zinc) fortification enhances antioxidant defenses, and functional additives (e.g., probiotics, astaxanthin, microalgae, etc.) reduce MNPs absorption, oxidative damage, and inflammation. Future research should focus on precision nutrition, toxicological mechanisms and repair, microecology modulation, and nano‐biotechnology solutions. This review aids in understanding the MNPs' impact on farmed fish, especially in developing effective nutritional mitigation interventions for sustainable aquaculture.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging
biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Reviews in Aquaculture
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 2
- Publication date
- 29 January 2026
- Language
- EN