Molecular interactions of polyvinyl chloride microplastics and beta-blockers (Diltiazem and Bisoprolol) and their effects on marine meiofauna: Combined in vivo and modeling study

Mohamed Allouche, Sahar Ishak, Manel Ben Ali, Amor Hedfi, Mohammed Almalki, Paraskevi K. Karachle, Abdel Halim Harrath, Ramadan H. Abu-Zied, Riadh Badraoui, Fehmi Boufahja

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

The ecotoxicological effects of beta-blockers (i.e. Diltiazem and Bisoprolol) and their interactions with the microplastic polyvinyl chloride on marine meiofauna were tested in laboratory microcosms. An experimental factorial design was applied, using meiobenthic fauna collected from the Old Harbor of Bizerte (NE Tunisia), but with a main focus on the nematode communities. The meiobenthic invertebrates were exposed to two concentrations of Diltiazem and Bisoprolol, of 1.8 µg.L-1 and 1.8 mg.L-1, respectively, and one concentration of polyvinyl chloride (i.e. 20 mg.kg-1), separately and mixed. The overall meiofauna abundance was significantly reduced in all treatments, mainly that of polychaetes and amphipods. Moreover, the juveniles-gravid female ratios of the nematode communities were the lowest in the 1.8 µg.L-1 Bisoprolol treatment and for the 1.8 mg.L-1 mixture of Diltiazem and microplastics, suggesting that different dosages influence the maturity status of the examined species. The demographic results were also supported by in silico approach. The simulation of molecular interactions revealed acceptable binding affinities (up to −8.1 kcal/mol) and interactions with key residues in the germ line development protein 3 and sex-determining protein from Coenorhabditis elegans. Overall, the experimental outcome strongly indicates synergistic interactions among the beta-blockers Diltiazem and Bisoprolol and the microplastic polyvinyl chloride on marine nematode communities.

Original languageEnglish
Article number128609
JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials
Volume431
Early online date2 Mar 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Jun 2022
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors extend their appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP-2021/17), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Keywords

  • Beta-blockers
  • Functional traits
  • Meiobenthic nematodes
  • Molecular interactions
  • Polyvinyl chloride
  • Sex ratio

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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