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Effect of Microplastic Exposure on Earthworms Eisenia Fetida and Eudrilus Eugeniae
Summary
Scientists exposed earthworms to microplastics (tiny plastic particles) and found they lost weight, reproduced less, and suffered damage to their skin and muscles. While this study looked at soil health rather than humans directly, it matters because earthworms are essential for healthy soil that grows our food—and it adds to growing evidence that microplastics, which are now found throughout our environment and food chain, can harm living organisms at a biological level.
The present study was conducted to assess the effect of different concentrations of microplastics MPs-110µg, MPs-120µg, MPs-130µg, MPs-140µg on the earthworms, Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae for 30 days. It was observed that there was a significant decrease in the body weight of the earthworms when treated with different concentrations of microplastics. There was a significant decrease in the reproduction rate such as decrease in cocoon production as well as decrease in the number of juveniles. Morphological changes like coiling of the body and tail were also observed. Furthermore, the histopathological changes observed were thinning in the muscular layer and epidermis layer. There was damage to the cuticle. In conclusion, the study suggests that microplastics may have a negative effect on the growth and reproductive abilities of earthworms and its survival itself.