We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and invasive crayfish: emerging interactions and ecological implications from three coexisting species in a subalpine lake
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic uptake in three coexisting invasive crayfish species from Lake Maggiore, Italy, finding no significant interspecific differences but observing that Faxonius limosus showed the highest average MP concentration, with most MPs being polyester or polyacrylate fibers under 1 mm suggesting domestic sources. The study provides the first evidence of MP uptake in F. limosus and suggests invasive crayfish may serve as agents of MP removal and bioindicators for environmental monitoring.
Microplastics (MPs) and invasive species are two of the most pressing threats to freshwater ecosystems, yet their interactions remain underexplored. This study presents the first comparative analysis of MP uptake among three coexisting invasive crayfish species (Faxonius limosus, Pacifastacus leniusculus, and Procambarus clarkii) from Lake Maggiore, a large subalpine lake subjected to intense anthropogenic pressure. A total of 90 individuals were analyzed for biometric traits and MP occurrence in intestinal content, with species identification confirmed via molecular analysis. No significant interspecific differences or correlations with biometric traits were found, though F. limosus showed the highest average concentration. Most MPs were < 1 mm polyester or polyacrylate fibers, suggesting a dominant domestic source. Additionally, this work provides the first evidence of MP uptake in F. limosus, filling a key knowledge gap. Beyond documenting MP ingestion, our findings support the potential of invasive crayfish as agents of MP removal, suggesting an ecological role with important implications for environmental monitoring and ecosystem management. These results also highlight the need for further research on trophic transfer and organ-level accumulation of MPs, especially in widely distributed invasive species that are increasingly relevant for environmental risk assessment.
More Papers Like This
The invasive red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution: Insights from Lake Candia (northwestern Italy)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether the invasive red swamp crayfish could serve as a bioindicator species for tracking microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems. They found the same types of microplastics in the crayfish digestive tracts as in surrounding water and sediment samples from Lake Candia in Italy. The study suggests that monitoring microplastics in crayfish could be a practical way to assess plastic contamination levels in lakes and rivers.
Plastic Debris in the Stomach of the Invasive Signal Crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus from a Baltic Coastal River
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the stomach contents of invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) for plastic debris, finding ingested plastic fragments and fibres in a proportion of sampled individuals. The study identifies signal crayfish as accumulators of microplastics in freshwater food webs, with potential implications for predators that consume crayfish in affected river systems.
Microplastic burden in invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) increases along a stream urbanization gradient
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts of invasive signal crayfish at every site along a stream gradient from rural to urban, with concentrations rising as more of the upstream area was developed — and detected microplastics in crayfish tail muscle tissue for the first time. Because crayfish are important prey for many species, their accumulation of microplastics in both gut and tissue suggests these pollutants can move through freshwater food chains more broadly than previously recognized.
Microplastic burden in native (Cambarus appalachiensis) and non-native (Faxonius cristavarius) crayfish along semi-rural and urban streams in southwest Virginia, USA
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first comparative study of microplastic contamination in native and non-native crayfish species along semi-rural and urban streams in southwest Virginia. They found significantly higher microplastic concentrations in urban surface water compared to semi-rural areas, and the non-native crayfish species showed greater microplastic body burden than the native species. The findings suggest that urbanization influences microplastic exposure in freshwater organisms and that invasive species may accumulate plastics differently than native ones.
Microplastic Presence and Frequency in Crayfish within Urban and Rural Streams
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared the presence and frequency of microplastics found in crayfish living in urban versus rural streams, aiming to understand how human development influences microplastic ingestion in freshwater animals. Crayfish serve as useful environmental indicators because they feed at the bottom of streams where microplastics tend to settle.
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.