We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Automated μFTIR Imaging Demonstrates Variability in Microplastic Ingestion by Aquatic Insects in a Remote Taiwanese Mountain Stream
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used focal plane array micro-FTIR spectroscopy to characterize microplastic ingestion in aquatic insects from a high-altitude stream (~2,000 m) in a Taiwanese national park. Microplastic ingestion was detected in nearly all insect taxa examined, with polyethylene (65%) dominating and most particles smaller than 500 µm, demonstrating that MP contamination reaches even remote, low-pollution environments.
The use of focal plane array micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FPA-μFTIR) enables high-resolution characterization of microplastics (MPs) in a wide variety of matrices, including both biotic and abiotic samples. However, this technique has not yet been applied to study MP ingestion in organisms in areas with low MP pollution (e.g., national parks or protected areas). In this study, FPA-μFTIR was used to quantify MPs in the bodies of aquatic insects collected from a high-altitude stream (~2000 m) in Taiwan. Results showed that MP ingestion occurred in nearly all examined taxa, except for caddisfly (Trichoptera: Stenopsychidae) and dragonfly (Odonata: Gomphidae). The majority of MPs were smaller than 500 μm, and the dominant MP polymers identified were polyethylene (65%) and polypropylene (30%), which occurred mainly as fragments (83%) and, to a lesser extent, as fibers (17%). The highest number of MP particles was in the scraper functional-feeding group (FFG), while MPs were not detectable in collector–filterer FFG. The highest MP concentration (particles/individuals) was found in the waterpenny beetle Ectopria sp., followed by the mayflies Paraleptophlebia sp. and Epeorus erratus, and Chironomidae in the subfamily Tanypodinae. We suggest that using high-resolution FPA-μFTIR can be effectively applied to study and monitor MP ingestion in remote, pristine ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Automated μFTIR Imaging Demonstrates Taxon-Specific and Selective Uptake of Microplastic by Freshwater Invertebrates
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used automated micro-FTIR imaging to quantify microplastic ingestion by multiple freshwater invertebrate taxa from field-collected sediments, finding taxon-specific differences in ingestion rates and selectivity for particle type and size, suggesting that feeding behavior mediates microplastic exposure.
Quantifying and classifying microplastics and microparticles across aquatic heterotrophs from headwater streams in central Pennsylvania
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microparticle contamination across multiple trophic levels in remote forested headwater streams in central Pennsylvania, with secondary consumers showing the highest contamination rates and µFTIR confirming true microplastics at two of five sampling sites.
Investigating the presence of nanoplastics in freshwater chironomids from glacial habitats using Raman spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used Raman spectroscopy to detect nanoplastics in larvae of two chironomid species from glacier-fed high-altitude streams in northern Italy after enzymatic and oxidative digestion. Nanoplastics were confirmed in multiple samples, demonstrating that plastic contamination reaches even remote alpine aquatic habitats with minimal direct human presence.
FTIR based assessment of microplastic contamination in soil water and insect ecosystems reveals environmental and ecological risks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers in southern India used infrared spectroscopy to measure microplastic contamination in soil, water, and insects, finding polypropylene and polystyrene in over 91% of samples. The study revealed that insects like beetles and bees can carry microplastics on their bodies and spread them through ecosystems, highlighting another pathway by which plastic pollution can move through the food chain toward humans.
Characterization of microplastics in alpine environments: Using automated FTIR methodologies and aging microplastics experiments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastics collected from alpine environments using automated FTIR spectroscopy and conducted aging experiments to understand how mountain plastics change over time. The study contributes to understanding how microplastics reach remote high-altitude areas through atmospheric transport and how they degrade in these cold, UV-exposed environments.
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.