Toxic Effects of Nanopolystyrene Particles on Caenorhabditis elegans (a nematode) are being studied by researchers at Seoul National University in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Their December 15, 2018 research report, “Uptake of nanopolystyrene particles induces distinct metabolic profiles and toxic effects in Caenorhabditis elegans” is published in the journal Environmental Pollution.
The paper abstract notes that “… Exposure to nanopolystyrene particles caused the perturbation of metabolites related to energy metabolism, such as TCA cycle intermediates, glucose and lactic acid. Nanopolystyrene also resulted in toxic effect including induction of oxidative stress and reduction of locomotion and reproduction. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the toxic effects of nanopolystyrene particles …”