Microplastics induced endocrine disruption, alteration in testicular tissue in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) pre-fed on Amphora coffeaeformis

Abstract This study examines the potential defending effects of the diatom, Amphora coffeaeformis, as a feed additive against the deleterious effects (mainly on gonads) caused by microplastics (MPs) in the Nile tilapia, Oreochromes niloticus. Male tilapia groups were pre-fed diets with four different supplementation levels of A. coffeaeformis (0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) for 70 days, then were exposed to 10 mg/L MPs for 15 days. The results showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher numbers of erythrocytes, but significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the number of RBCs, Hb, Ht, platelets, and eosinophil percentages. Testicular histological degenerative changes and testis-ova were found in the MPs-exposed fish. Thus, A. coffeaeformis supplementation displayed ameliorative properties that detoxified the negative effects of MPs. This study provides a better understanding of the reproductive injuries caused by MPs and provides evidence for the use of A. coffeaeformis as a natural remedy in freshwater tilapia.