A global meta-analysis reveals the toxicity of plastics on insect health

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.