We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic pollution destabilized the osmoregulatory metabolism but did not affect intestinal microbial biodiversity of earthworms in soil
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated how microplastic pollution affects the ability of aquatic organisms to regulate their internal salt and water balance. Researchers found that microplastic exposure disrupted key metabolic pathways involved in osmoregulation, though it did not significantly affect overall survival rates in the short term. The findings suggest that even when animals appear healthy, microplastics may be causing hidden physiological stress.
Metabolomic and gut microbial responses of soil fauna to environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics indicate the potential molecular toxicity of microplastics; however, limited data exist on these responses. In this study, earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were exposed to spherical (25-30 μm diameter) polystyrene microplastic-contaminated soil (0.02%, w:w) for 14 days. Changes in weight, survival rate, intestinal microbiota and metabolic responses of the earthworms were assessed. The results showed that polystyrene microplastics did not influence the weight, survival rate, or biodiversity of the gut microbiota, but significantly decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. Moreover, polystyrene microplastics disturbed the osmoregulatory metabolism of earthworms, as indicated by the significantly decreased betaine, myo-inositol and lactate, and increased 2-hexyl-5-ethyl-furan-3-sulfonic acid at the metabolic level. This study provides important insights into the molecular toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of polystyrene microplastics on soil fauna.
More Papers Like This
Unveiling the impact of short-term polyethylene microplastics exposure on metabolomics and gut microbiota in earthworms (Eudrilus euganiae)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed earthworms to polyethylene microplastics and found significant disruptions in their metabolism and gut bacteria, even when no visible signs of stress were present. The microplastics affected energy and lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory processes, cell signaling, and membrane integrity. The study suggests that microplastics can cause hidden biological harm to soil organisms well before any outward symptoms appear.
Transcriptomic and metabolic responses of earthworms to contaminated soil with polypropylene and polyethylene microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how environmentally realistic concentrations of polypropylene and polyethylene microplastics affect earthworms at the molecular level. They found that both plastic types triggered oxidative stress, damaged digestive and immune systems, disrupted lipid metabolism, and altered the earthworms' ability to regulate water balance. The study suggests that even at concentrations commonly found in the environment, microplastic-contaminated soil poses measurable health risks to earthworms.
Effects of polyethylene microplastics stress on soil physicochemical properties mediated by earthworm Eisenia fetida
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed earthworms to polyethylene microplastics of two sizes and found that smaller particles (13 micrometers) were more toxic than larger ones (130 micrometers), reducing survival and growth more severely. The microplastics caused oxidative stress in the worms and altered key soil properties including pH and organic carbon content. Since earthworms play a vital role in maintaining healthy soil for agriculture, this damage could affect soil quality and ultimately the food grown in microplastic-contaminated farmland.
Earthworms on a microplastics diet
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that environmentally relevant concentrations of polyethylene microplastics added to plant litter on soil surfaces led to reduced growth and elevated mortality in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris, and that earthworms may themselves transport ingested microplastics deeper into soils.
From conflicting studies to consistent signals: Microplastics increase mortality, oxidative stress and dose-related DNA damage in earthworms – A systematic review and meta-analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This review combined results from 40 existing studies on earthworms exposed to microplastics. Higher microplastic exposure was linked to increased death rates past a certain level, dose-related DNA damage, and mixed effects on oxidative stress markers across the studies.
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.