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Can microplastic contamination affect the wing morphology and wingbeat frequency of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes?
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Researchers tested whether polyethylene microplastic exposure during larval development affects wing morphology and wingbeat frequency in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, a species relevant to disease transmission. They found that while larval survival was unaffected, female mosquitoes reared in microplastic-contaminated water had smaller wings, and male mosquitoes showed altered wingbeat frequency and wing morphology. The study suggests that microplastic pollution could have sex-specific effects on mosquito traits related to their capacity as disease vectors.
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly widespread in the environment, which raises questions about their potential effects at different biological levels. It is essential to assess the impacts on biodiversity, and it is also crucial to understand whether the presence of MPs can interfere with the biological traits of species of relevance in public health. Considering that the life-history traits of mosquitoes, such as size and the wingbeat frequency (WBF), are related to its vector competence, here, we study the effects of 10 particles L (as expected concentration of MPs on the environment, using the polyethylene type) on WBF, as well as wing morphology, testing the Culicidae species found across all continents, Aedes aegypti, as an indicator. Results show that larvae survival and development were not affected by the tested concentration of MP. Geometric morphometrics showed some asymmetry in female mosquito wings, which were also smaller for individuals reared in MP suspension. As for WBF, results did not indicate any significant differences between females. Male mosquitoes, however, showed alterations in WBF and wing morphology, suggesting possible sex-specific reactions to microplastic exposure. Also, the combination of morphological parameters analyzed as covariates (wing centroid size and body weight) did not significantly affect WBF for both female and male mosquitoes. Overall, this study shows an inaugural investigation of the effects of MP on wing size and WBF on Ae. aegypti, shedding light on these parameters tested for a current pollution issue and its impact on a virus vector.
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This study investigated whether ingesting micro- and nanoplastics affects the survival and reproduction of two disease-carrying mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Nanoplastics at the smallest tested size (0.03 µm) reduced pupal survival and egg production in Ae. aegypti, while larger microplastics had limited effects on survivorship. The results raise concerns that widespread microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in aquatic breeding habitats could affect mosquito population dynamics, with potential implications for vector-borne disease transmission.
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