Exposure to copper stress affects intestinal barrier and impacts the gut microbiome in Chinese stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis)

The copper stress adversely affected the intestinal histomorphology and compromised the physical, chemical and immune barrier functions. Additionally, it also affected microbial barrier by altering microbial diversity within the gut environment of M. sinensis. All of the results demonstrated that exposure to copper has a detrimental effect on the intestinal health of aquatic turtles. This research opens up new possibilities for understanding stress tolerance processes and enhancing aquatic animals' quality of life and also provides the basis for the conservation of aquatic animals in healthy environments.