Sex Specific Effects of PET-MPs On Drosophila Lifespan

Abstract In recent years, as an emerging pollutant, microplastic pollution is gradually becoming a research hotspot. Microplastics are ubiquitous in the entire ecological environment. Organisms can be exposed to microplastics via inhalation or ingestion. In view of the widespread of microplastics pollution, the impact of microplastics on biology should be further investigation. In previous experiments, we have conducted research on the physiology of Drosophila exposed to PET Microplastics (PET-MPs). However, under long-term exposure, will PET-MPs affect the lifespan of Drosophila? Our experimental results indicate that for ANOVA analysis, there are significant differences between males and females (F (1, 895) =68.19, p<0.001), between PET-MPs concentration (F (3, 895) = 8.11, p<0.001). There are also significant interactions between sex and Microplastic concentration (F (3, 895) = 4.00, p<0.01). For Cox and log rank test, 1g/L of PET-MPs prolongs the lifespan of male flies. The reason of this phenomenon may be the hormesis effect.