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Direct and indirect effects of microplastics from agricultural mulch films on terrestrial isopods Porcellionides pruinosus (Crustacea, Isopoda)
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Researchers examined both direct and indirect effects of microplastics from agricultural mulch films on terrestrial isopods, comparing conventional polyethylene with biodegradable alternatives. The study found that indirect effects of microplastics on soil conditions often exceeded the direct toxic effects on the organisms, and that biodegradable mulch film microplastics were not necessarily less harmful than conventional plastic particles.
Microplastic (MPs) contamination in terrestrial ecosystems is an emerging concern, with indirect impacts on soil biota often exceeding direct toxicity. This study examined direct and indirect effects of MPs from agricultural mulch films—low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and starch bioplastics (starch-based)—on the soil isopod Porcellionides pruinosus. We conducted comparative feeding and mesocosm experiments under environmentally realistic conditions. We analysed toxicological endpoints like survival and weight change, and stress-related markers like total haemocyte count, differential haemocyte count, phenoloxidase PO-like activity, enzymatic assays of acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S-transferase, and electron transport system activity. No acute toxicity was observed
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Direct and indirect effects of microplastics from agricultural mulch films on terrestrial isopods Porcellionides pruinosus (Crustacea, Isopoda): A comparative exposure study
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Researchers compared the direct and indirect effects of microplastics from three types of agricultural mulch films, including conventional polyethylene and two bioplastic alternatives, on the soil isopod Porcellionides pruinosus. Through feeding experiments and mesocosm studies, they measured survival, weight changes, and stress-related biomarkers including immune cell counts and enzyme activity. The study found that indirect effects of mulch film microplastics on soil organisms may be more significant than direct ingestion toxicity.
Response of terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber and mealworm Tenebrio molitor to non-degradable and biodegradable fossil-based mulching film microplastics
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Researchers tested how two soil organisms, woodlice and mealworms, responded to microplastics from both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable mulching films used in farming. Both types of microplastics affected the organisms' gut bacteria and caused stress, though the effects varied by plastic type. The study challenges the assumption that biodegradable farm films are completely safe, since their microplastic fragments can still harm soil organisms important for healthy agricultural ecosystems.
Sublethal effects of microplastics sourced from polypropylene agricultural plastics on four soil invertebrate species
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Four soil invertebrate species were exposed to microplastics from polypropylene agricultural mulch at 0.005–5% concentrations in soil, finding reduced reproduction in enchytraeids and collembola and altered burrowing behavior in earthworms and isopods at higher doses.
Long-term effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics from mulch on freshwater communities
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Researchers examined the long-term effects of both conventional and biodegradable mulch film microplastics on freshwater zooplankton populations after leaching from agricultural soils. Even environmentally relevant concentrations of mulch-derived microplastics reduced zooplankton reproduction, with biodegradable mulch microplastics showing effects comparable to conventional plastics.
Soil Microbial Biomass and Microarthropod Community Responses to Conventional and Biodegradable Plastics
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Researchers assessed the medium-term effects of conventional polyethylene plastic mulch versus biodegradable alternatives on soil microbial biomass and microarthropod communities. They found that both plastic types and their residues in soil influenced biological communities over time, though the specific impacts differed between conventional and biodegradable materials. The study provides evidence that switching to bioplastic mulches may alter, but not necessarily eliminate, the effects of plastic residues on soil ecosystems.
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