We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics affected black soldier fly (Hermetiaillucens) pupation and short chain fatty acids
Summary
Researchers exposed black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae to polypropylene microplastics and found that MP exposure delayed pupation, altered larval development, and shifted gut short-chain fatty acid profiles, suggesting that microplastics disrupt both development and gut microbiome function in this widely used bioconversion insect.
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are microscopic particles that are now found in almost all ecosystems where they may exert adverse effects on various organisms, including insects. In this study, 20 black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) larvae (BSFL) were exposed to MPs, in the form of polypropylene (PP‐MPs; 55 ± 4 µm) at 0.22% (26,972,507 particles/kg), versus a control (no added MPs) in triplicate for two weeks. After two weeks, final lengths, weights, percentage of pupation, fatty acid composition of BSFL and substrate reduction percentage were measured. Survival, lengths/weights and percentage substrate reduction in the PP‐MP group were not significantly different from the control. However, percentage of pupation was significantly lower in the PP‐MP treatment (at 65.2%) compared to the control (at 83.8%). Among the measured fatty acids, only propionic and butyric acid changed, and these short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) significantly increased from 0.12% and 0.17% to 0.14 and 0.19%, respectively, in the PP‐MP‐exposed group. This study indicates that exposure to environmentally relevant levels of PP‐MPs can substantially delay development, while the increase in the SCFA may indicate a change in the gut microbiota.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in the diet of Hermetia illucens: Implications for development and midgut bacterial and fungal microbiota
Researchers fed black soldier fly larvae diets containing PVC microplastics at various concentrations and found the insects could tolerate even high levels (20% of diet) without significant increases in death rates. The larvae ingested and reduced the size of the plastic particles, and while their overall gut microbial diversity remained stable, certain bacterial and fungal populations shifted. This suggests black soldier flies could potentially help process plastic waste, though the safety of using these insects as animal feed after plastic exposure needs further study.
Examining the potential of plastic-fed black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) as "bioincubators" of plastic-degrading bacteria.
Researchers examined whether black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) fed on plastic waste can serve as 'bioincubators' for plastic-degrading bacteria, investigating how gut microbiota shifts in response to plastic-containing diets and whether these bacteria retain degradation activity.
A comparative study of effects of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics on the growth and development of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens).
Researchers investigated the digestion, accumulation, and excretion of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics in black soldier fly larvae, finding that both types accumulated only in the larval gut and had no adverse effects on larval growth or development. Larvae efficiently excreted microplastics before pupation, suggesting BSFL could process plastic-contaminated organic waste without significant bioaccumulation.
Toxicity and bioconversion: Meta-analytical insights into microplastic effects on black soldier fly rearing
This meta-analysis found that microplastics in organic waste can reduce black soldier fly larval growth and survival, though larvae demonstrated some capacity to biodegrade certain plastic polymers. The findings are important because black soldier fly larvae are increasingly used for sustainable waste processing, and microplastic contamination in waste streams could compromise this approach.
Plastics shape the black soldier fly larvae gut microbiome and select for biodegrading functions
Researchers found that black soldier fly larvae can adapt their gut microbiome to digest a wide range of plastics, shifting their microbial communities to favor biodegrading functions. This suggests the insects could serve as living incubators for discovering new plastic-breaking enzymes for industrial cleanup applications.