We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of Polyester Microplastic Fiber Contamination on Amphibian–Trematode Interactions
Summary
This study tested how polyester microplastic fibers affect amphibian-trematode interactions, finding that fibers can reduce parasite survival but also alter amphibian immune function in ways that complicate infection outcomes, suggesting microplastics could disrupt host-parasite dynamics.
Microplastic contamination poses a global threat to aquatic organisms, yet we know little as to how microplastics may indirectly affect organismal health via their influence on species-species interactions (e.g., host-parasite interactions). This is problematic because microplastic-mediated alterations to host-parasite dynamics could negatively impact individual- population-level health of hosts. Using a larval amphibian (host) and free-living trematode (parasite) model, we asked whether 1) polyester microplastic fibers influence parasite survival; 2) whether polyester microplastic fiber ingestion by amphibians alters amphibian susceptibility to infection; and 3) whether simultaneous exposure of amphibians and trematodes to polyester microplastic fibers influences infection outcomes. Polyester microplastic fibers did not alter trematode survival, nor did their ingestion by amphibians increase amphibian susceptibility to infection. However, when amphibians and trematodes were exposed simultaneously to the fibers, the infection success of the parasite was reduced. Lastly, we conducted a field survey for microfiber contamination across multiple ponds and found microfibers across each of the sampled ponds. Overall, our results contribute to the limited knowledge surrounding the ecological consequences of microplastic contamination. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:869-879. © 2021 SETAC.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Direct and indirect ecological impacts of microplastic fibers on host-parasite and host-microbiota interactions
Researchers experimentally tested how polyester microplastic fibers of two sizes affect trematode parasite infection rates and gut microbiome composition in leopard frog tadpoles. Microplastic fibers altered both host-parasite dynamics and microbiota structure in size-dependent ways, demonstrating that plastic fiber pollution has cascading effects on freshwater ecological interactions.
The impacts of fibre pollution on fish host-parasite interactions
Researchers exposed guppies infected with the ectoparasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli to polyester, cotton, and bamboo fibres and found that polyester exposure significantly increased mortality in uninfected fish, while bamboo fibre exposure reduced parasite burdens in infected fish, demonstrating that fibre type determines host-parasite interaction outcomes.
Variation in microplastic characteristics among amphibian larvae: a comparative study across different species and the influence of human activity
Scientists examined microplastics inside amphibian larvae from 10 species and found plastic particles in all of them, with blue fibers being the most common type. Larger larvae tended to contain longer plastic fragments, and there was a relationship between human activity levels near habitats and the characteristics of the plastics found. This study shows that microplastic contamination has penetrated freshwater food webs, affecting animals during their most vulnerable developmental stages.
Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on host–parasite interactions in aquatic environments
Researchers reviewed how microplastics and nanoplastics affect the interactions between parasites and their hosts in aquatic environments. Evidence indicates that plastic particles can influence infection rates, parasite transmission, and host immune responses, though the effects vary widely depending on the species and type of plastic involved.
Trophically Transmitted Parasites and Their Responses to Microbial Pathogens and Consumed Plastic Contaminants
Researchers reviewed how trophically transmitted parasites respond to stressors including microplastic contaminants and microbial pathogens, finding that plastic exposure can disrupt host-parasite dynamics by altering host microbiomes and immune responses. The interactions add complexity to understanding parasite infection success in polluted environments.