We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessing the Accumulation of Microplastics in Earthworms ( Eisenia fetida ) Using Traditional Bioaccumulation Modeling and Synchrotron-Based Microcomputed Tomography
AI summary Read the abstract
This study used synchrotron microcomputed tomography and 21-day bioaccumulation experiments to track microplastic movement in the earthworm Eisenia fetida across five particle morphologies. Results showed rapid ingestion and efficient elimination with low bioaccumulation factors (0.023-0.058), and 3D imaging confirmed that no particles from 5 to 53 µm crossed the gut epithelium into tissues.
Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as a ubiquitous contaminant in terrestrial ecosystems. Earthworms, which play key roles in soil structure, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem function, are important bioindicators for assessing MP exposure and fate. However, uncertainties remain regarding MP toxicokinetics in earthworms, including ingestion dynamics, retention, and the potential for translocation across the gut epithelium. This study investigated the movement and fate of MPs in Eisenia fetida by quantifying uptake and elimination across five common MP morphologies (films, fibres, foams, fragments, and spheres) and by using synchrotron-based microcomputed tomography (SR-µCT) to visualize internal distributions of 5 to 22 µm glass microspheres and 45 to 53 µm polyethylene microspheres. Across 21-day exposure and depuration phases, earthworms rapidly ingested all MP morphologies, reaching steady state before Day 10 for most types, and efficiently eliminated MPs once removed from spiked soils. Elimination rate constants (1.27-2.34 day-1) corresponded to short half-lives (<1 day), and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were consistently low (0.023-0.058), indicating limited retention relative to soil concentrations. SR-µCT imaging provided high-resolution three-dimensional confirmation that MPs remained entirely confined to the gastrointestinal tract, with none of the 2,779 detected particles ranging from 5 to 53 µm crossing the gut epithelium. Despite higher MP densities in earthworms exposed to smaller glass microspheres, this pattern reflected differences in ingestion rather than tissue penetration. Reduced gut-to-worm volume ratios in polyethylene-exposed worms suggested decreased feeding or avoidance behaviour toward the polyethylene microspheres. Overall, these results demonstrate that Eisenia fetida rapidly ingest and eliminate MPs without tissue translocation, and that their gut contents provide a reliable short-term snapshot of MP availability in soil.
More Papers Like This
Supplemental data for: Assessing the accumulation of microplastics in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) using traditional bioaccumulation modeling and synchrotron-based microcomputed tomography
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed how earthworms accumulate microplastics using traditional bioaccumulation modeling combined with advanced synchrotron-based micro-CT imaging. The study provides detailed data on microplastic ingestion dynamics, retention, and spatial distribution within earthworm tissues, helping clarify how these common soil organisms interact with microplastic contamination.
Earthworms ingest microplastic fibres and nanoplastics with effects on egestion rate and long-term retention
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used specially labeled microplastic fibers and nanoplastics to track their uptake and retention in earthworms. They found that earthworms ingested both types of particles, but nanoplastics were retained in body tissues for much longer than fibers, which were mostly excreted within days. The study reveals that soil organisms can accumulate very small plastic particles over time, with potential implications for soil food webs.
Insights into microplastic exposure routes in the earthworm (Eisenia fetida): Gut and skin
AI summary Read the abstract
This 50-day study investigated polypropylene microplastic uptake in earthworms via both gut ingestion and skin absorption routes, finding that particle size and concentration governed accumulation differently through each pathway, with smaller particles posing greater risk of tissue accumulation.
An Evaluation of the Quantitative Concentration of Microplastic in Dendrobaena veneta and Lumbricus terrestris Tissues from Laboratory and Environmental Cultures
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed two earthworm species (Dendrobaena veneta and Lumbricus terrestris) to mixed microplastics at different concentrations in laboratory and environmental cultures and measured MP accumulation in tissues using FTIR and fluorescence. Both species accumulated MPs in tissues with significant polymer content confirmed, and digestive enzyme activity caused observable structural changes to the plastic particles.
Microplastics as a Vector for HOC Bioaccumulation in Earthworm Eisenia fetida in Soil: Importance of Chemical Diffusion and Particle Size
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether microplastics act as vectors for hydrophobic organic contaminant (HOC) bioaccumulation in earthworms, testing two scenarios with polyethylene particles of different sizes and polychlorinated biphenyls in soil. Results showed that clean microplastics in contaminated soil reduced HOC bioaccumulation, while smaller precontaminated microplastics enhanced transfer of PCBs to earthworms, demonstrating that particle size and prior contamination status are critical factors.
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.