We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Mechanisms influencing the impact of microplastics on freshwater benthic invertebrates: Uptake dynamics and adverse effects on Chironomus riparius
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the factors influencing microplastic uptake and toxicity in the freshwater midge Chironomus riparius using experimental data and agent-based modeling. They found that high concentrations of small microplastics fill the insect gut, are eliminated more slowly than natural particles, and cause damage to gut tissue that leads to reduced growth and delayed development. The study suggests that microplastic concentrations in some freshwater hotspots may already be high enough to cause adverse effects in wild populations.
Chironomids inhabit freshwater benthic ecosystems which are prone to microplastic contamination. This work aimed at understanding the factors and mechanisms influencing microplastic uptake and related adverse effects on Chironomus riparius, by exploring an extensive project database, conducting a literature review, and performing an agent-based model to explore trends in data. Results reveal that high concentrations of small microplastics fill the gut of fourth instar C. riparius (99.7 %). Ingested microplastics had an average size of 38-61 μm, presenting slower elimination rates than undigested organic or mineral particles. Ingestion rates of microplastics depend mainly on encounter rates, and therefore on available concentrations, until reaching a plateau corresponding to the maximum gut volume. Short-term toxicity of microplastics seems to result from damage to gut epithelium, with inflammatory reactions, production of reactive oxygen species, and a negative energy balance exacerbated by the lack of food (organic matter). Long-term toxicity is characterized by a reduction in larval body length and increase in mean time to emergence, seemly from increased energy costs rather than a decrease in nutrient absorption. Wild chironomids already present microplastics in their guts and environmental concentrations in hotspots may already exceed no effect concentrations. Therefore, environmental exposure to microplastics may induce adverse effects to wild C. riparius in freshwater benthic ecosystems, which could compromise their ecologic role as deposit-feeders (e.g., reducing their nutrient cycling ability) and key-stone species in aquatic food webs.
More Papers Like This
Ingestion of microplastics by the chironomid Chironomus sancticaroli and effects on the microbiome in the presence of PBDEs
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the freshwater midge larva Chironomus sancticaroli to microplastics contaminated with flame-retardant PBDEs, finding that the organisms ingested microplastics and experienced effects including altered behavior and increased pollutant body burden — demonstrating that microplastics can serve as vectors for toxic chemical transfer to aquatic invertebrates.
Combined effects of microplastics and a pyrethroid on the benthic invertebrate, Chironomus Riparius
AI summary Read the abstract
This freshwater study examined combined effects of microplastics and a pyrethroid pesticide on midge larvae (Chironomus riparius), contributing to growing evidence that microplastics in freshwater ecosystems interact with chemical pollutants to produce compounded harmful effects on invertebrates.
Shedding microplastics: metamorphosis as a potential detoxification mechanism for microplastics in Chironomus riparius
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed midge larvae (Chironomus riparius) to microplastics throughout their life cycle and found that the particles significantly delayed development. Notably, the shed exoskeletons retained far more microplastic particles than the adult insects, suggesting that metamorphosis may serve as a natural mechanism for eliminating ingested microplastics. The findings point to a previously unrecognized route by which freshwater invertebrates can reduce their internal microplastic burden.
Combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and natural stressors on Chironomus riparius life-history traits
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined combined effects of polyethylene microplastics with temperature, salinity, and food stress on the midge Chironomus riparius, finding that microplastic effects on life-history traits were modulated by these natural stressors in ways not predicted by simple additive models.
Understanding the microplastic pollution impact on Chironomus sancticaroli larvae development and emergence
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how PET microplastics affect the development and emergence of Chironomus midge larvae, an important freshwater insect. They found that microplastic exposure altered larval development and reduced successful adult emergence. The study suggests that microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems could disrupt the life cycles of aquatic insects, which are vital to food webs and ecosystem health.
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.