We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of microplastics from disposable medical masks on terrestrial invertebrates
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how microplastics from disposable medical masks affect soil invertebrates including woodlice, mealworms, and enchytraeids over 21 days. While the microplastics did not cause severe effects on survival or reproduction, the study found transient immune responses in woodlice and changes in energy metabolism in mealworms, particularly from outer-layer mask particles. The long-term fitness implications of these sublethal responses remain unclear.
This study investigated impacts of microplastics from disposable polypropylene medical masks on woodlice Porcellio scaber, mealworm larvae Tenebrio molitor and enchytraeids Enchytraeus crypticus. Effects of microplastics on survival, reproduction, immune parameters and energy-related traits were assessed after 21 days exposure in soil. Microplastics obtained from each medical mask layer separately differed in size and shape (inner frontal layer: 45.1 ± 21.5 µm, fibers; middle filtering layer: 55.6 ± 28.5 µm, fragments; outer layer: 42.0 ± 17.8 µm, fibers) and composition of additives. Overall, the concentrations of metals and organic chemicals were too low to cause effects on soil invertebrates. The microplastics from disposable medical masks at 0.06%, 0.5%, 1.5%, w/w did not induce severe adverse effects on survival or reproduction (for enchytraeids). A transient immune response of woodlice and a change in energy-related traits in mealworms were observed, which was most clearly seen for the microplastics from the outer layer. This was reflected in increased electron transfer system activity of mealworms and different immune response dynamics of woodlice. In conclusion, the tested soil invertebrates respond to microplastics from disposable medical masks, but it remains unclear what these changes mean for their fitness on the long term.
More Papers Like This
Overview of the impacts of microplastics on terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber: from immune response to higher-tier levels
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes research on the immune, energetic, survival, and feeding responses of the terrestrial woodlouse Porcellio scaber to multiple microplastic types including tire wear particles, textile fibers, polypropylene from medical masks, and LDPE fragments. Results across studies show that microplastic exposure triggers an initial immune response that gradually returns to baseline with prolonged exposure, with variation in effects depending on plastic type and associated chemicals.
Effects of microplastics from cigarette filters on terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers prepared microplastics from cellulose acetate cigarette filter material, both pristine and UV-aged, and tested their effects on Daphnia magna, Tenebrio molitor mealworm larvae, and Porcellio scaber terrestrial crustaceans. Short-term exposure slightly altered immune parameters in woodlice while longer exposures caused no immune changes, and mealworm energy-related traits were also affected, indicating invertebrate-specific and dose-dependent responses to cigarette filter-derived microplastics.
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.
Toxicological effects of microplastic fibers from different disposable face masks on Caenorhabditis elegans
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the toxic effects of microplastic fibers from three types of disposable face masks on the soil-dwelling roundworm C. elegans. Exposure to microplastics from KF94 masks and particulate respirators caused the most significant harm, including reduced growth, impaired reproduction, and increased oxidative stress. The findings highlight that pandemic-related mask waste breaking down in soil environments could pose risks to organisms that live there.
How do woodlice deal with infection after exposure to microplastics?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how microplastic exposure affects the ability of woodlice to fight bacterial infection, finding that pre-exposed animals had altered immune responses. Microplastic-contaminated soil environments may therefore make invertebrates more susceptible to infectious disease.
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.