We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Histopathology of chironomids exposed to fly ash and microplastics as a new biomarker of ecotoxicological assessment
Summary
Researchers used histopathological analysis of chironomid larvae exposed to fly ash and microplastics as a novel ecotoxicological biomarker, finding distinct tissue damage patterns that could serve as early indicators of aquatic pollution.
In the last few decades, industrial pollution has gained extensive attention in terms of its effect on the aquatic environment. This imposes the need to develop sensitive biomarkers for early detection of pollutant toxicity in ecotoxicological assessment. The advantages of histopathological biomarkers are many, including quick reaction to the presence of contaminants, and the small number of individuals needed for efficient analysis. The present study analyzed the negative effect of lignite coal fly ash (LCFA) and microplastic particles (MPs) on Chironomus riparius, a suggested model organism by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This study aimed to perform histological analyses of larval tissues and target potential changes in treated groups that could serve as promising histopathological biomarkers of the contaminant's negative effects. Following that, other known sensitive sub-organismal biomarkers were analyzed and paired with the histopathological ones. Histological analysis of larvae showed a significantly decreased length of microvilli in midgut regions II and III in both treatments. Treatments with MPs affected oxidative stress parameters: thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and hemoglobin levels, while LCFA significantly affected all tested sub-organismal biomarkers (DNA damage, levels of AOPP, SOD, and hemoglobin), except catalase (CAT) and TBARS. When observing histological slides, a significant shortage of brush border length in the posterior parts of the midgut was detected in all treatments. In the case of LCFA, the appearance of intensive vacuolization of digestive cells with inclusions resembling apoptotic bodies, in mentioned regions was also detected. This study demonstrated high sensitivity of brush border length to the MPs and LCFA exposure, complementary to other tested sub-organismal biomarkers. Revealing the great potential of this histopathological biomarker in ecotoxicological studies contributes to the international standard ecotoxicology assessment of emerging pollutants.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Assessing microplastic hazards in freshwater ecosystems using chironomid larvae: insights from the Ergene River, European part of Türkiye
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.
Suborganismal responses of the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius to polyethylene microplastics
Researchers exposed Chironomus riparius larvae to polyethylene microplastics and used transcriptomics and metabolomics to characterize suborganismal responses, finding disruption of oxidative stress pathways, energy metabolism, and cuticle synthesis — effects not captured by standard life-history endpoints alone.
Chironomus sp. as a Bioindicator for Assessing Microplastic Contamination and the Heavy Metals Associated with It in the Sediment of Wastewater in Sohag Governorate, Egypt
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.
Trends and Emerging Hotspots in Toxicology of Chironomids: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis
This bibliometric analysis mapped trends and emerging research hotspots in chironomid toxicology using publications from the Web of Science and PubMed databases. The study identified growing research interest in using these aquatic insects as bioindicators for environmental pollution, including emerging contaminants like microplastics, reflecting the expanding scope of ecotoxicology research.
Effects of anthropogenic activities on microplastics in deposit-feeders (Diptera: Chironomidae) in an urban river of Taiwan
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.