We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ecotoxicological impacts of polyethylene, polystyrene and polyamide on the land snail Cantareus aspersus in a life cycle experiment
Summary
Researchers exposed garden snails (Cantareus aspersus) to polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyamide microplastics at 0.1%, 1%, and 10% concentrations in food across a full life cycle experiment. All three polymer types reduced growth, reproduction, and survival at the highest dose, with polyamide causing the most consistent toxicity, suggesting terrestrial gastropods are at risk from environmental microplastic exposure.
Small plastic fragments (<5 mm, i.e., microplastics, MPs) accumulate in ecosystems, resulting in increasing concerns about their toxic effects in the terrestrial environment. While studies on MPs in the soil environment are expanding, gaps in knowledge still exist regarding their effects on soil (macro)organisms. Our study aimed to measure the response of Cantareus aspersus snails to long-term exposure to 0.1, 1 and 10 % w/w polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA) or polystyrene (PS) particles in food. Overall, a concentration-dependent decrease in snail growth was observed, as was a general trend toward earlier maturity at low and middle MP concentrations. Mild (for PS) to severe (for PE and PA) effects on reproduction were detected but without a concentration-dependent trend. The fecundity was affected mainly by PE at 1 % (-32.9 %) and by PA at 1 % (-52.59 %), and their fertility was reduced by 43.9 % and 61.3 %, respectively. This decrease was related to increased survival, suggesting trade-offs in snail energy allocation and/or endocrine regulation. This study revealed that an environmentally relevant life-cycle assessment of toxic effects allows the detection of subtle effects regarding individual responses. These effects allowed us to demonstrate differential impacts on animal health status according to the polymer used and the exposure concentration.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Polyethylene microplastic toxicity to the terrestrial snail Cantareus aspersus: size matters
Researchers found that polyethylene microplastic size significantly affects toxicity in the terrestrial snail Cantareus aspersus, with smaller particles causing greater oxidative stress and cellular damage than larger ones.
Assessment of fate and impacts of microplastics in terrestrial environment using the snail Cantareus aspersus
Researchers used the land snail Cantareus aspersus as a bioindicator to assess the fate and effects of microplastics in terrestrial soils, conducting exposure studies that demonstrated microplastic uptake, tissue accumulation, and toxic effects in this organism. The work provides one of the few detailed assessments of microplastic risk in soil ecosystems using a terrestrial invertebrate model, contributing data to fill a significant gap in terrestrial ecotoxicology.
The effects of polystyrene microparticles on the environmental availability and bioavailability of As, Cd and Hg in soil for the land snail Cantareus aspersus
Researchers exposed land snails to soil contaminated with both polystyrene microplastics and toxic metals including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. They found that while microplastics had limited effects on overall metal availability in soil, they did alter the speed and pattern of metal uptake into snail tissues. The study suggests that microplastics may subtly change how organisms absorb environmental contaminants, even when they do not dramatically change the total amount available.
Uptake and adverse effects of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics fibers on terrestrial snails (Achatina fulica) after soil exposure
Researchers exposed terrestrial snails to polyethylene terephthalate microplastic fibers in soil and found that the snails ingested and excreted the fibers, but exposure caused visible damage to the particles and oxidative stress in the animals. Higher concentrations led to measurable changes in growth and feeding behavior. The study provides evidence that microplastic fibers in soil can harm land-dwelling organisms that play important roles in soil ecosystems.
Bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological impact of micro(nano)plastics in aquatic and land snails: Historical review, current research and emerging trends
This review summarizes the ecotoxicological impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on aquatic and land snail species worldwide. Researchers found evidence of microplastic bioaccumulation in 40 gastropod species, with Asia showing the highest contamination levels, and documented harmful effects including behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and tissue damage. The study highlights that toxicity depends on particle composition, shape, and size, and identifies significant research gaps in understanding how these pollutants affect invertebrate communities.