We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics, chlorpyrifos and their mixtures modulate immune processes in the terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polyester fiber and crumb rubber microplastics affect the immune system of the crustacean Porcellio scaber, alone and in combination with the pesticide chlorpyrifos. The study found that while microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations caused only slight immune changes, mixtures of microplastics and chlorpyrifos produced different effects than either pollutant alone, suggesting microplastics may alter the bioavailability of co-occurring pesticides.
Microplastics and agrochemicals are common pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems. Their interaction during coexistence in soils may influence their fate and adverse effects on terrestrial organisms. The aim of this study was to investigate how the exposure to two types of microplastics; polyester fibres, and crumb rubber; induce changes in immune parameters of Porcellio scaber and if the co-exposure of microplastics affects the response induced by the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos. A number of immune parameters, such as total haemocyte count, differential haemocyte count, and phenoloxidase-like activity were assessed. In addition, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the haemolymph was evaluated as a measure of the bioavailability of chlorpyrifos. After three weeks of exposure, the most noticeable changes in the measured immune parameters and also a significantly reduced AChE activity were seen in chlorpyrifos-exposed animals. Both types of microplastic at environmentally relevant concentrations caused only slight changes in immune parameters which were not dependent on the type of microplastic, although the two types differed significantly in terms of the chemical complexity of the additives. Mixtures of chlorpyrifos and microplastics induced changes that differed from individual exposures. For example, alterations in some measured parameters suggested a reduced bioavailability of chlorpyrifos (AChE activity, haemocyte viability) caused by both types of microplastics exposure, but the increase of haemocyte count was promoted by the presence of fibres implying their joint action. In conclusion, this study suggests that immune processes in P. scaber are slightly changed upon exposure to both types of microplastics and microplastics can significantly modulate the effects of other co-exposed chemicals. Further research is needed on the short-term and long-term joint effects of microplastics and agrochemicals on the immunity of soil invertebrates.
More Papers Like This
Response of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber to lipopolysaccharide challenge after microplastic and insecticide exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed terrestrial pill bugs (Porcellio scaber) to tire particle microplastics in soil for 14 days, then challenged them with a bacterial toxin to test their immune response. The study suggests that prior exposure to microplastics, especially in combination with the insecticide chlorpyrifos, can compromise the animals' ability to mount an effective immune defense against infections.
Comparative role of microplastics and microalgae as vectors for chlorpyrifos bioacumulation and related physiological and immune effects in mussels
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastics and microalgae as vectors for chlorpyrifos transfer into mussels, finding that both particle types facilitated pesticide bioaccumulation with distinct physiological and immune effects on the organisms.
Time-dependent immune response in Porcellio scaber following exposure to microplastics and natural particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the immune response of the terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber to polyester fibers and tire particles over different exposure durations, finding time-dependent immune changes that differed between microplastic types and natural particle controls.
Polyethylene microplastics increase the toxicity of chlorpyrifos to the marine copepod Acartia tonsa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and the pesticide chlorpyrifos on the marine copepod Acartia tonsa. The study found that microplastics significantly increased the toxicity of chlorpyrifos, lowering the lethal concentration by approximately four-fold and dramatically reducing feeding and egg production. The findings confirm that microplastics can act as vectors for pollutants, increasing their availability and potential harm to marine organisms.
Combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and nanoplastics in the marine amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis: implications for chlorpyrifos risk assessment in Latin American coasts
AI summary Read the abstract
Lab tests on a small marine crustacean (Parhyale hawaiensis) found that mixing the pesticide chlorpyrifos with tiny polyethylene plastic particles changed its toxicity, with the lowest plastic dose causing the highest death and immobility rates. The study also found large gaps in existing pesticide safety data for Latin American marine life.
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.