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Ingestion of microplastics by the chironomid Chironomus sancticaroli and effects on the microbiome in the presence of PBDEs
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Researchers exposed the freshwater midge larva Chironomus sancticaroli to microplastics contaminated with flame-retardant PBDEs, finding that the organisms ingested microplastics and experienced effects including altered behavior and increased pollutant body burden — demonstrating that microplastics can serve as vectors for toxic chemical transfer to aquatic invertebrates.
Microplastic particles in the environment can associate with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) due to the hydrophobic nature of plastics and organic chemicals. PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are widely used as flame-retardants in products such as textiles and soft furnishings, with the potential to leach into the environment and be associated with microplastics. If ingested, the gut environment of an organism may favour desorption of adsorbed chemicals due to gut condition. Therefore the ingestion of microplastic particles has implications for uptake and bioaccumulation of these chemicals. Furthermore the presence of microplastics and chemicals in the gut of an organism can also influence the gut environment itself. Gut microbiomes are known to hold a vital role in host metabolism, nutrition and immunity and as such understanding the influence of chemicals and microplastics on the gut microbiota is key.
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Researchers investigated how nylon microplastics alone and combined with polybrominated diphenyl ethers affect Chironomus larvae, finding that microplastics altered gut microbial community composition and facilitated PBDE bioaccumulation in the organisms.
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Researchers examined metabolomic changes in the freshwater midge Chironomus tepperi exposed to polyethylene microplastics across two generations, finding that environmentally relevant concentrations altered metabolite profiles and negatively affected survival and emergence.
Understanding the microplastic pollution impact on Chironomus sancticaroli larvae development and emergence
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Researchers studied how PET microplastics affect the development and emergence of Chironomus midge larvae, an important freshwater insect. They found that microplastic exposure altered larval development and reduced successful adult emergence. The study suggests that microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems could disrupt the life cycles of aquatic insects, which are vital to food webs and ecosystem health.
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