We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Enchytraeids drive horizontal redistribution of small microplastics in soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny worms called enchytraeids were tested in lab containers and soil samples mixed with small fluorescent microplastic particles. The worms moved these plastic particles sideways through the soil, carrying smaller particles more easily than larger ones, spreading some plastic an average distance of 33 centimeters over 108 days.
Abstract Bioturbation represents an important pathway controlling soil microplastic bioavailability and fate, yet existing evidence remains qualitative and biased toward earthworm-mediated vertical transport. Here, we quantified horizontal redistribution of small (2–50 µm) fluorescent microplastics by enchytraeids in vitro and in soil microcosms using direct detection of the microplastics. Enchytraeids significantly redistributed microplastics away from hotspots under both conditions, and transported 2 and 10 µm spheres more effectively than 50 µm spheres in vitro . In soil microcosms spiked with 2 µm microplastics (1.28 × 10⁶ ng), enchytraeids relocated 1×10³ ng over an average distance of 33.0 cm during 108 days of incubation. These results reveal a so far overlooked mesofauna pathway of horizontal microplastic redistribution that complements vertical transport in soils.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic transport in soil by earthworms
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated that earthworms can transport microplastic particles from the soil surface deeper into the ground, with smaller particles being moved to greater depths. Using the common earthworm Lumbricus terrestris in greenhouse experiments, they showed that worm activity significantly increased the presence of microplastics in lower soil layers. The findings suggest that earthworms play an important role in burying microplastics in soil, potentially affecting other soil organisms and groundwater.
Earthworms multifacetedly drive size- and type-dependent microplastic transport in soils
AI summary Read the abstract
This soil incubation study found that earthworms act as key engineers redistributing microplastics in soil through bioturbation, with optimal transport at ~28 earthworms/m² and selective preference for small PET particles over larger or differently shaped plastics, enabling PET to reach deeper soil layers (13.5–19.5 cm).
Earthworms transport microplastic fibres in soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Laboratory experiments showed that earthworms actively transport microplastic fibers deeper into soil profiles, suggesting that bioturbation by earthworms represents an important pathway for vertical redistribution of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.
Leaching of microplastics enhanced through complex soil meso- and macrofaunal community transport
AI summary Read the abstract
A mesocosm experiment showed that soil invertebrates — including earthworms and collembolans — actively transport microplastics deeper into the soil profile, significantly accelerating the downward movement of plastic particles beyond what occurs through water alone. This finding is important because it means microplastics can migrate more quickly into deeper soil layers and potentially into groundwater, expanding their environmental footprint well beyond the surface.
Earthworm Casting Drives Soil Microplastic Upward Transport and the Formation of Biogenic Polymer Aggregates
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that earthworms are moving tiny plastic particles (microplastics) from deeper soil up to the surface, where crops grow, and breaking them into even smaller pieces in the process. The earthworms also create conditions that help beneficial bacteria break down these plastics over time. This matters because it could affect how much plastic contamination gets into our food supply, though more research is needed to understand the full health implications.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.