We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Toxicity Comparison of Multiple Biodegradable and Conventional Microplastics on Earthworms: Ingestion, Tissue Damage, Oxidative Stress, and Transcriptional Responses
No summary available — this paper's abstract is not included in the open metadata provided by the publisher. Learn why →
More Papers Like This
Meta-analysis reveals contrasting effects of biodegradable and conventional microplastics on earthworm fitness, physiology, and gut microbiota
AI summary Read the abstract
A large analysis of over 100 studies found that both regular plastic pollution and "biodegradable" plastics harm earthworms, shrinking their survival, growth, and gut bacteria, while causing cell damage from oxidative stress. The key takeaway: switching to biodegradable plastics doesn't actually protect these important soil creatures, so it's not a guilt-free fix. Since earthworms keep soil healthy for growing our food, this matters for the whole food chain, including us, and it's a reminder that "biodegradable" labels don't always mean "harmless."
Effects of Micro-Nanoplastics Exposure to Earthworms in the Soil System
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how micro- and nanoplastic exposure affects earthworms in soil systems, examining toxicity mechanisms and interactions with co-occurring heavy metals and other contaminants. The findings indicate that MNP contamination can impair soil productivity and earthworm health, threatening the foundation of terrestrial food webs.
Toxicological Effects of Micro and Nanoplastics on Soil Fauna: Current Research, Advances, and Future Outlook
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the toxic effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on soil-dwelling organisms such as earthworms and insects, finding that these particles can disrupt reproduction, growth, and survival, with potential ripple effects for soil health and food production.
Toxicity comparison of multiple biodegradable and conventional microplastics on earthworms: Ingestion, tissue damage, oxidative stress, and transcriptional responses
AI summary Read the abstract
This study compared the toxicity of four biodegradable microplastics and conventional polyethylene microplastics on earthworms across multiple biological endpoints. Researchers found that biodegradable microplastics caused tissue damage, oxidative stress, and altered gene expression at levels comparable to or sometimes exceeding conventional plastics, challenging the assumption that biodegradable alternatives are inherently safer for soil organisms.
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.