Microplastics and Virus (IMAGE)
Caption
When exposed to the virus only (blue particles in left-hand panel), the barrier formed by the intact lining of the gill and gut may block some virus from penetrating the tissues. When exposed to small microparticles derived from polystyrene or Spartina marsh grass (orange “suns” in center panel) and then virus, the barrier may be physically damaged, allowing more virus to enter and causing an inflammatory response. Damage appeared to be greatest for nylon microfibers (purple rods in right panel), which are larger and may be more likely to become trapped in and damage the barrier. This may allow greater viral entry and generate stress in the fish, ultimately increasing viral virulence. Illustration not to scale. © Dr. Meredith Seeley/VIMS.
Credit
Dr. Meredith Evans Seeley/VIMS.
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CC BY-NC-ND