We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Direct and indirect effects of microplastics from agricultural mulch films on terrestrial isopods Porcellionides pruinosus (Crustacea, Isopoda): A comparative exposure study
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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; however, soil exposure had a more pronounced effect on P. pruinosus, confirming that indirect impacts via altered soil conditions are stronger than direct dietary exposure. Notably, only bio-based MPs triggered changes in cellular and biochemical stress parameters, while fossil-based MPs had no observable effect. The stress response of P. pruinosus in mesocosm experiments aligned with shifts in microbial respiration, suggesting that soil-mediated effects play a dominant role in organismal stress. These findings underscore the importance of considering indirect pathways in MP toxicity assessments and highlight the suitability of terrestrial isopods for integrating diverse toxicological endpoints and stress markers in both laboratory and mesocosm settings.
More Papers Like This
Direct and indirect effects of microplastics from agricultural mulch films on terrestrial isopods Porcellionides pruinosus (Crustacea, Isopoda)
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Response of terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber and mealworm Tenebrio molitor to non-degradable and biodegradable fossil-based mulching film microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
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
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Influence of microplastics on feeding and energy reserves of terrestrial isopods Porcellio scaber
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed land-dwelling pill bugs to food contaminated with microplastics at concentrations found in compost heaps, and measured effects on feeding behavior and energy reserves in the digestive gland. The study investigated whether environmentally realistic microplastic levels in soil affect terrestrial invertebrates, which are important links in soil food webs.
Plastic bag and facial cleanser derived microplastic do not affect feeding behaviour and energy reserves of terrestrial isopods
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed terrestrial isopods microplastic particles derived from plastic bags and facial scrub beads for 14 days at realistic concentrations and detected no effects on feeding rate, food assimilation, body mass, survival, or energy reserves, suggesting that short-term microplastic exposure at these particle sizes is not acutely harmful to this common soil invertebrate.
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.