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Ontogenetic transfer of microplastics and nanoplastics in mosquitoes: a scoping review of environmental and health implications
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This scoping review examines the role of mosquitoes as vectors for transferring microplastics and nanoplastics from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems through their life cycle. Researchers found evidence that mosquito larvae ingest micro- and nanoplastics in water, which are retained through metamorphosis and carried into terrestrial environments by adult mosquitoes. The study highlights an underappreciated pathway for microplastic dispersal and raises questions about potential implications for organisms that feed on mosquitoes.
The mass production of plastics in recent decades has impacted the health of animals and the environment. The current scoping review aims to investigate mosquitos' role as mechanical vectors for microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment. The search for research articles was conducted on September 28, 2024, using the databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and included publications from 2018 to 2024. The search was performed using the following keywords: "Microplastics", "Nanoplastics", "Mosquito", along with synonyms and related terms. Nine references were found regarding the spread of MPs/NPs from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems. Of these, seven papers focused solely on the ecological role of mosquito-driven MP/NP dispersal. In contrast, two others examined the relationship between mosquitoes and invertebrate predators in the dispersal of MPs/NPs. Polystyrene was the main plastic element examined that could be transferred by mosquitoes ontogenically. Three articles discussed Culex pipiens, followed by three articles on Aedes aegypti, two articles about Culex quinquefasciatus, one article about Aedes albopictus and one article about Anopheles spp. Based on the review of the current literature, MPs/NPs can be ingested by mosquito larvae from water and passed onto the pupa and adult flying stages through ontogenetic processes. More research is needed to understand the health concerns associated with MPs/NPs transmission by mosquitoes and related public health implications.
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Culex mosquito larvae were exposed to polystyrene microplastics at different sizes (2 μm and 15 μm) and concentrations, with MP ingestion confirmed and ontogenic transference of particles from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults demonstrated, though no significant effects on adult mortality or weight were found. The study provides the first evidence of microplastic transfer across the aquatic-to-terrestrial life stage boundary in a common insect vector.
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