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Title:

Effects of nano/microplastic exposure on zebrafish (Danio rerio) gut microbiome

Agreement Number:

1021483

Agreement Value:

$88,384.00

Agreement Date:

Sep 1, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024

Description:

Plastic pollution is a worldwide problem. As plastic pollution is expected to grow, the amount of plastic in the environment is also expected to grow. Plastic pieces found in the environment are categorized depending on their size: microplastics (MP) (1-5000 µm) and nanoplastics (NP) (1-1000 nm). Both micro and nanoplastics can have deleterious effects when ingested by organisms in the environment. Observed effects varies from food dilution, oxidative stress and lower reproductive success. Additionally, more and more research is done on organisms microbiome. Once ingested, microplastics are mainly accumulating in the gastro-intestinal tract before being egested with feces and only a small portion will reach other organs. In the case of nanoplastics, due to their small sizes, they can cross biological barriers and can be distributed within all organs. As the gastro-intestinal tract is where both micro and nanoplastic transit through, these particles can have potential effects on the gastro-intestinal tract itself but also on the microbiome inhabitating it. Additionally, some research found that nanoplastics can disrupt the brain-intestine-microbiota axis, and call for this endpoint to be studied when assessing the environmental risk of micro and nanoplastics. To study the effects of micro and nanoplastics on gut microbiota, we propose to use adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model species.

Organization:

National Research Council Canada

Expected Results:

In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.

Location:

Antigonish, Nova Scotia, CA B2G 2W5

Reference Number:

172-2024-2025-Q2-1021483

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Recipient Business Number:

108083270

Recipient Type:

Academia

Recipient's Legal Name:

Governors of St Francis Xavier University

Federal Riding Name:

Cape Breton--Canso--Antigonish

Federal Riding Number:

12002

Program:

Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives

Program Purpose:

Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.

NAICS Code:

541710 - R&D in the physical, engineering and life sciences