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Soil microplastics inhibit the movement of springtail species
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This study found that soil microplastics impeded the movement of springtail species in laboratory experiments, with effects dependent on plastic particle size and concentration, suggesting potential ecological consequences for soil-dwelling invertebrates.
Previous studies have indicated the means by which micro-sized plastic particles may affect the soil environment, and this could be linked to the behavior of plastics in the soil system and how these particles are influenced by biological responses. Soil-dwelling organisms play a key role in modifying the soil system by constructing bio-pores, and these structural changes are potentially related to the behavior of plastic particles. In this study, we found that micro-sized plastic particles moved into bio-pores within seconds, and that this influx disrupted the movement of springtails (Lobella sokamensis). The springtails moved to avoid becoming trapped, and this behavior created bio-pores in the soil system. The influx of plastic particles into these cavities subsequently immobilized the springtails within. This phenomenon was observed at low a concentration of plastic particles (8 mg/kg), and it likely occurs in actual soil environments. The findings of this study indicate that the behavior of plastic particles in the soil not only disrupts the movement of springtails but also has wider implications for effective management of soils.
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Transport of microplastics by two collembolan species
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Researchers exposed two species of soil springtails (collembolans) to surface-applied microplastics and found that these small invertebrates can transport plastic particles vertically into deeper soil layers as they move. This is one of the first demonstrations that soil fauna can redistribute microplastics downward in terrestrial ecosystems.
Edible size of polyethylene microplastics and their effects on springtail behavior
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Scientists determined which sizes of polyethylene microplastics can be ingested by soil springtails, finding a specific edible size range and showing that ingestion of microplastics within that range altered springtail burrowing and jumping behavior.
Microplastics are transferred by soil fauna and regulate soil function as material carriers
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Springtail soil invertebrates were found to actively transport microplastics through soil and to transfer them and their adsorbed contaminants during feeding activity. Microplastic-laden springtails also suppressed soil organic matter decomposition, demonstrating that soil fauna mediate both the spatial redistribution and the functional impacts of microplastic pollution.
Interaction of Invertebrates and Synthetic Polymers in Soil: A Review
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This review summarizes how microplastics in soil harm invertebrates including nematodes, springtails, and earthworms, while some soil animals can fragment or ingest and transport plastic particles. The presence of microplastics in soil disrupts the gut function of soil organisms that play critical roles in maintaining healthy, productive soils.
What do we know about how the terrestrial multicellular soil fauna reacts to microplastic?
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This review analyzed the available literature on how soil-dwelling animals respond to microplastics and found evidence of uptake, bioaccumulation, and harmful effects across many groups including earthworms, springtails, and beetles. Most studies used high concentrations not yet found in real soils, limiting conclusions about current environmental risks.
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.