We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biochemical responses, growth and reproduction of earthworm in low density polyethylene (LDPE)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that low-density polyethylene microplastics reduced earthworm body weight by up to 28% and significantly decreased cocoon and hatchling production at higher concentrations, with oxidative stress enzyme changes and molecular docking confirming biochemical disruption.
Abstract There is an unprecedented production of plastic that is accelerating its disposal while affecting the fitness of the terrestrial as well as the aquatic environment. The term microplastics refers to plastic fragments that are less than 5 mm in size and are widely distributed in the environment. Therefore, the present study intends to explore the biological response of earthworms ( Eisenia fetida ) toward different concentrations of low‐density polyethylene. E. fetida treated with low‐density polyethylene concentration (Control), 250 mg kg −1 , 1000 mg kg −1 , 6000 mg kg −1 , 12,000 mg kg −1, and 25,000 mg kg −1 . The above ratios were thoroughly mixed with 1kg of artificial soil and tested for growth, reproduction (cocoons and hatchling count), and enzymatic activities namely superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, and glutathione reductase and molecular docking studies. No mortality was observed during the exposure period at any concentrations. On the 28th day, when compared to the control the highest decrease in body weight of earthworms was observed in 25,000 mg (28.4%) followed by 12,000 mg (12.2%) and 6000 mg (3.4%). The cocoon and hatchlings significantly declined as the dose of microplastics increases. Enzymatic activity such as SOD and POD showed declined trend as the dose increased, while GST and GR increased with an increase in microplastic concentrations on 28th day. Furthermore, molecular docking showed that LDPE can modulate the activity of all four enzymes significantly.
More Papers Like This
Oxidative stress, energy metabolism and molecular responses of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to low-density polyethylene microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed earthworms to various concentrations of low-density polyethylene microplastics for 28 days and measured oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and molecular responses. The study found dose-dependent increases in oxidative damage markers and alterations in energy reserves, suggesting that microplastic contamination in soils can trigger measurable physiological stress in soil invertebrates.
The effects of polyethylene microplastics on the growth, reproduction, metabolic enzymes, and metabolomics of earthworms Eisenia fetida
AI summary Read the abstract
This study exposed earthworms to polyethylene microplastics in soil for 60 days and found that even when the worms appeared physically healthy, their internal enzyme systems and metabolism were significantly disrupted. The damage included signs of neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and reduced ability to break down harmful substances. Since earthworms are essential for soil health and crop growth, this disruption could indirectly affect the quality of food humans eat.
Responses of earthworms exposed to low-density polyethylene microplastic fragments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed earthworms to low-density polyethylene microplastic fragments at various concentrations and studied the effects on their survival, growth, and reproduction. The microplastics affected earthworm behavior and caused measurable changes depending on concentration and exposure time. Since earthworms are critical for soil health and nutrient cycling, their sensitivity to microplastics raises concerns about how plastic pollution may degrade agricultural soils.
Eco-toxicological Impact of Polypropylene Microplastics on the Earthworm Lampito mauritii: Effects on Growth and Vital Biomarkers
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that polypropylene microplastics, a common plastic used in packaging and textiles, harm earthworms by reducing their body weight, reproduction, and causing cell stress at high exposure levels. Since earthworms are vital for healthy soil that grows our food, this suggests plastic pollution could quietly damage the ecosystems we depend on for agriculture.
Understanding the harmful effects of polyethylene microplastics on Eisenia fetida: A toxicological evaluation
AI summary Read the abstract
Earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to increasing concentrations of polyethylene microplastics in soil showed lower body weight, reduced reproductive output, and disrupted antioxidant defenses — with oxidative stress markers climbing nearly 1.3-fold at the highest dose. These findings confirm that microplastic pollution degrades soil ecosystem health at concentrations that could plausibly occur in contaminated agricultural land.
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.