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A global meta-analysis reveals the toxicity of plastics on insect health
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This meta-analysis pools data from global studies to reveal that microplastics and nanoplastics are harmful to insect health, affecting survival, reproduction, and development. Since insects play critical roles in pollination and food chains, their decline from plastic pollution could have cascading effects on agriculture and the broader ecosystems humans depend on.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants infiltrating freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Despite increasing recognition of their ecological impacts, the effects of these particles on insect populations remain poorly understood. Insects, which are critical for pollination, decomposition, and nutrient cycling, are increasingly exposed to microplastics and nanoplastics, potentially leading to biological harm. This study presents the first global meta-analysis that evaluates the toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics on insect health. Our findings reveal that microplastic significantly impairs key biological traits, including survival (-1.17), growth (-0.69), development (-0.69), feeding (-0.68), fecundity (-0.47), and behavior (-0.24), with survival being the most adversely affected trait. While nanoplastics also pose risks, their effects are generally less severe than those of microplastics. Moderators such as plastic type, concentration, and exposure duration critically influence the severity of toxic effects, with higher concentrations and longer exposures leading to greater harm. These reductions in biological fitness underscore the potential for microplastics and nanoplastics to disrupt essential ecosystem functions.
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Interactions of insects with micro- and nanoplastics: A review
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This comprehensive review of 114 studies found that micro- and nanoplastics accumulate in both terrestrial and aquatic insects, causing reduced growth, impaired reproduction, oxidative stress, and gut microbiome disruption. Since insects are foundational to food webs and pollination, plastic contamination in insect populations could cascade through ecosystems and ultimately affect human food systems.
Interactions between microplastics and insects in terrestrial ecosystems—A systematic review and meta-analysis
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This meta-analysis with phylogenetic control found that microplastic exposure impairs key biological traits of insects, primarily behavior and reproduction, with effects varying by polymer type and particle size. Field evidence confirmed that insects ingest and transfer microplastics along food chains, and also contribute to bio-fragmentation of larger plastic debris into smaller particles.
Exposure Pathways and Toxicity of Microplastics in Terrestrial Insects
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This review summarizes what is known about how land-dwelling insects encounter, consume, and are affected by plastic pollution. Insects can accumulate microplastics and transfer them to animals higher up the food chain, and exposure has been linked to reduced growth, reproduction, and survival. Since insects play critical roles in pollination and soil health, widespread plastic contamination could have cascading effects on ecosystems and agriculture.
Insects at the crossroads of microplastics pollution: Mechanistic insights, ecological risks, and research frontiers
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This review of existing research found that tiny plastic particles called microplastics are harming insects by causing stress in their bodies and affecting their ability to digest food, think clearly, and reproduce. Insects also break down larger plastic pieces into even more microplastics, making the pollution problem worse. This matters because insects are crucial for pollinating our food crops and keeping ecosystems healthy, so plastic pollution could threaten our food supply.
How much should we care about insect–plastic interactions?
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This review examines the complex interactions between insects and plastic pollution, covering how insects encounter, ingest, and are affected by microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment. Researchers also explored the potential role of certain insect species in degrading plastic waste. The study highlights that while insects may contribute to plastic breakdown, their exposure to plastic particles poses ecological risks that warrant further investigation.
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