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Assessing microplastic hazards in freshwater ecosystems using chironomid larvae: insights from the Ergene River, European part of Türkiye
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Researchers used chironomid (midge) larvae collected from the Ergene River in Turkey — a waterway heavily impacted by industrial discharge — as bioindicators and found microplastics in their guts, with the abundance and type of plastics reflecting local pollution sources. Because chironomids are a key food source for fish and birds, their microplastic burden represents a pathway for plastics to move up the freshwater food chain.
Plastic pollution has become a widespread global threat, putting significant pressure on aquatic ecosystems and other ecological areas. Chironomid larvae are effective bioindicators of microplastic pollution in freshwater environments because of their sediment-dwelling behavior and environmental sensitivity. This study investigated microplastic contamination in the Ergene River, an ecosystem significantly affected by intensive industrial activity, using chironomid larvae. In May 2025, larvae were collected from five stations along the Ergene River and its tributaries, especially in areas with high industrial activity. The results showed an average microplastic concentration of 63.28 ± 33.59 particles per gram of wet weight in the larvae. Fibers were the most common shape, accounting for 62% of particles. Color analysis indicated that most particles were black (34%), transparent (32%), and blue (22%). Raman spectroscopy revealed that the main polymers were polyacrylamide (PAA, 36%), polyamide (PA, 28%), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 15%). Based on the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), PAA (PHI = 8280) and PA (PHI = 1400) were classified as "high hazard" (level IV), while PET (PHI = 60) and polystyrene (PS, PHI = 90) were categorized as "low hazard" (level II). The study suggests that the primary sources of microplastics in the region are discharges from organized industrial zones and that chironomid larvae may serve as potential bioindicators of this type of pollution.
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Researchers used Chironomus midge larvae as bioindicators to assess microplastic contamination in wastewater environments in upper Egypt. The study found red and blue polyester fibers were the most common microplastics, and successfully detected microplastic particles inside the larvae, demonstrating that these organisms can serve as useful indicators of plastic pollution in aquatic systems.
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Researchers quantified microplastic abundance and types in midge larvae (Chironomidae) from an urban river and found that multiple anthropogenic activities including industrial discharge, agriculture, and residential runoff were associated with elevated microplastic levels in these freshwater deposit-feeders.
Microplastic ingestion in invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki): a nationwide survey from Türkiye
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Researchers surveyed microplastic ingestion in over 600 mosquitofish across 24 freshwater sites in Türkiye, finding microplastics in fish at nearly all sites, with PET and polyethylene fibers dominating and higher contamination near agricultural and residential areas. The study demonstrates that this invasive, surface-feeding fish is an effective indicator species for tracking localized microplastic pollution.
Ingestion of microplastics by the chironomid Chironomus sancticaroli and effects on the microbiome in the presence of PBDEs
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Researchers exposed the freshwater midge larva Chironomus sancticaroli to microplastics contaminated with flame-retardant PBDEs, finding that the organisms ingested microplastics and experienced effects including altered behavior and increased pollutant body burden — demonstrating that microplastics can serve as vectors for toxic chemical transfer to aquatic invertebrates.
Distribution of Microplastic in Egypt Wastewater Using Aquatic Insects as Bioindicators
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Researchers used aquatic insect larvae as bioindicators to assess microplastic distribution in Egyptian wastewater systems influenced by industrial and human activity. Insects from high-pollution sites accumulated significantly more microplastics, confirming their utility as cost-effective biological indicators for tracking microplastic contamination in freshwater systems.
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