A permeating threat of microplastics on insects and their ecological roles

Microplastics (MPs) threaten biodiversity significantly, permeating aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and disrupting essential biological and ecological processes. Insects, critical for maintaining ecosystem balance, are increasingly impacted by MP contamination. This review highlights the exposure routes of MP in insects that lead to physiological effects such as reduced reproductive success, altered behavior, and compromised immune responses. These disruptions may cause cascading effects on ecosystem services from insects such as pollination, natural pest control, and nutrient cycling, with profound consequences for agriculture and biodiversity. The review further explores strategies for mitigating MP pollution, including advancements in recycling technologies, improved monitoring methods, and the development of robust policy frameworks. The long-term ecological impacts of MP contamination on insect populations, including potential declines in key species and shifts in community dynamics, need to be focused on in future research. Developing bio-based solutions leveraging microbial and enzymatic approaches for MP degradation is also required. By integrating innovative research, education, and sustainable practices, a comprehensive response can be developed to mitigate the impacts of MPs on insects, protect biodiversity, and ensure ecosystem resilience in the face of growing environmental challenges.