Figure 4: Schematic diagram of the suggested microplastic-mediated oxidative stress signaling pathway in P. nana.

Elevation of intracellular ROS leads to activation of signal transductions mediated by p-EKR, p-P38, and subsequent Nrf2 activation. Nrf2 activation results in the induction of antioxidant genes, allowing cells to be protected against oxidative stress. Lines in black were drawn based on the result of the present study and lines in gray were drawn based on previous studies.