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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Earthworms transport microplastic fibres in soils
ClearBioturbation-driven transport of microplastic fibres in soil
This study found that earthworm activity transports microplastic fibers deeper into the soil profile, spreading contamination beyond surface deposits. Earthworm bioturbation can therefore expand the reach of microplastic pollution in agricultural and natural soils, with potential consequences for soil ecosystem health.
Microplastic transport in soil by earthworms
Researchers demonstrated that earthworms can transport microplastic particles from the soil surface deeper into the ground, with smaller particles being moved to greater depths. Using the common earthworm Lumbricus terrestris in greenhouse experiments, they showed that worm activity significantly increased the presence of microplastics in lower soil layers. The findings suggest that earthworms play an important role in burying microplastics in soil, potentially affecting other soil organisms and groundwater.
Incorporation of microplastics from litter into burrows of Lumbricus terrestris
Researchers investigated whether earthworms incorporate microplastics from surface litter into their burrows, finding that earthworm burrowing activity actively transports microplastics deeper into the soil profile.
Microplastic distribution and transport in agricultural soils : from field to burrow scale
Researchers investigated the spatial distribution and transport of microplastics in agricultural soils through field surveys and laboratory experiments. They found that sewage sludge amendments led to significantly higher microplastic contamination than mineral fertilizers, and that earthworm activity was a key mechanism for moving plastic particles deeper into soil. The study highlights the importance of accounting for both horizontal and vertical microplastic transport in soils when assessing agricultural pollution.
Nanoplastic Transport in Soil via Bioturbation by Lumbricus terrestris
Researchers demonstrated that earthworms can transport nanoplastics deep into soil through bioturbation, specifically by ingesting and excreting particles in their burrow walls. Using palladium-doped polystyrene nanoplastics, they tracked significant vertical transport over four weeks without detectable harm to the earthworms. The findings suggest that biological activity plays an important and previously underappreciated role in moving nanoplastics through soil profiles.
Data for: The deep-burrowing earthworm Lumbricus terrestris ingests and transports microplastic fibres of a wide length range in soils
Researchers tracked redistribution of metal-doped microplastic fibers in 30 cm soil columns over four weeks and analyzed earthworm casts to show that Lumbricus terrestris ingests and vertically transports MP fibers across a wide length range, with redistribution detectable within two weeks of introduction.
Data for: The deep-burrowing earthworm Lumbricus terrestris ingests and transports microplastic fibres of a wide length range in soils
Researchers tracked redistribution of metal-doped microplastic fibers in 30 cm soil columns over four weeks and analyzed earthworm casts to show that Lumbricus terrestris ingests and vertically transports MP fibers across a wide length range, with redistribution detectable within two weeks of introduction.
Leaching of microplastics by preferential flow in earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) burrows
This study showed that earthworms can ingest microplastics from soil surfaces and transport them through their burrows into deeper soil layers via preferential flow pathways. The findings suggest earthworm activity contributes to the vertical movement of microplastics through soil profiles, with implications for groundwater contamination.
The deep-burrowing earthworm Lumbricus terrestris ingests and transports microplastic fibres of a wide length range in soils
Scientists found that earthworms can eat and move tiny plastic fibers through soil, carrying pieces as long as 4.8 mm from the surface down to deeper layers. This matters because it shows how microplastics that contaminate soil from sources like synthetic clothing and plastic waste can spread underground through natural processes. Understanding how these plastic particles move through soil helps us better predict where they might end up in our food chain and environment.
Earthworms multifacetedly drive size- and type-dependent microplastic transport in soils
This soil incubation study found that earthworms act as key engineers redistributing microplastics in soil through bioturbation, with optimal transport at ~28 earthworms/m² and selective preference for small PET particles over larger or differently shaped plastics, enabling PET to reach deeper soil layers (13.5–19.5 cm).
Earthworm Casting Drives Soil Microplastic Upward Transport and the Formation of Biogenic Polymer Aggregates
Scientists found that earthworms are moving tiny plastic particles (microplastics) from deeper soil up to the surface, where crops grow, and breaking them into even smaller pieces in the process. The earthworms also create conditions that help beneficial bacteria break down these plastics over time. This matters because it could affect how much plastic contamination gets into our food supply, though more research is needed to understand the full health implications.
Microplastics and earthworms in soils: A case study on translocation, toxicity and fate
This conference abstract presents research on how earthworms in agricultural soils interact with microplastics, examining whether worms translocate particles deeper into soil, experience toxic effects, and alter the fate of microplastic contamination. Earthworms are key soil engineers, and their exposure to microplastics could have cascading effects on soil health.
Nanoplastic\nTransport in Soil via Bioturbation by Lumbricus terrestris
Researchers found that the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris actively transports nanoplastics (50-500 nm) downward through soil layers via bioturbation, with transport rates comparable to microplastics despite the smaller particle size.
Leaching of microplastics enhanced through complex soil meso- and macrofaunal community transport
A mesocosm experiment showed that soil invertebrates — including earthworms and collembolans — actively transport microplastics deeper into the soil profile, significantly accelerating the downward movement of plastic particles beyond what occurs through water alone. This finding is important because it means microplastics can migrate more quickly into deeper soil layers and potentially into groundwater, expanding their environmental footprint well beyond the surface.
Earthworms on a microplastics diet
Researchers found that environmentally relevant concentrations of polyethylene microplastics added to plant litter on soil surfaces led to reduced growth and elevated mortality in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris, and that earthworms may themselves transport ingested microplastics deeper into soils.
Effects of microplastics and chlorpyrifos on earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) and their biogenic transport in sandy soil
Researchers conducted mesocosm experiments to examine the effects of polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics combined with the pesticide chlorpyrifos on earthworms and their role in transporting these contaminants through soil. The study found that while earthworm reproduction was not significantly affected, earthworm burrowing activity facilitated the vertical transport of both microplastics and chlorpyrifos deeper into the soil profile.
Leaching of Soil Microplastics Through Meso- and Macrofuanal Community Transport (manuscript introduction)
Researchers investigated the role of soil mesofauna and macrofauna communities -- including earthworms from anecic, epigeic, and endogeic ecological niches -- in transporting microplastics (LLDPE, 300-600 micrometres) downward through soil columns in 18-week mesocosm incubations. The study was the first to examine how complex multi-species soil community structure affects microplastic vertical leaching, finding that faunal bioturbation significantly enhances microplastic transport beyond abiotic processes alone.
Microplastics in Agricultural Soil: Fate, Impacts, and Bioremediation by Earthworms
This review examines how microplastics accumulate in agricultural soils and the role earthworms may play in breaking them down. Researchers found that microplastics can harm soil health by disrupting microbial communities, enzyme activity, and nutrient availability, but that earthworms can enhance microplastic degradation through their digestive processes and the microorganisms in their gut. The study suggests that earthworm-based bioremediation could be a practical strategy for reducing microplastic contamination in farmland.
Earthworms Exposed to Polyethylene and Biodegradable Microplastics in Soil: Microplastic Characterization and Microbial Community Analysis
Researchers exposed earthworms to biodegradable and conventional polyethylene microplastics in natural soil and found that worms ingested both types. The biodegradable plastic showed signs of partial breakdown in the earthworm gut, while conventional polyethylene remained unchanged. Although microplastics did not significantly alter the soil or gut microbiome in this study, the results confirm that earthworms transport microplastics through soil ecosystems.
Fragmentation and depolymerization of microplastics in the earthworm gut: A potential for microplastic bioremediation?
Researchers explored whether earthworms can break down microplastics in soil by passing them through their digestive systems. They found that earthworms fragmented and partially broke down polyethylene and biodegradable plastic particles, reducing their size and altering their chemical structure. This suggests earthworms could play a role in naturally reducing microplastic contamination in soil, though more research is needed to understand whether the smaller fragments pose their own risks.
Impact of Different Soil Tillage Practices on Microplastic Particle Abundance and Distribution
Field experiments across different tillage and fertilization regimes quantified microplastic abundance and vertical distribution in agricultural soils, finding that tillage practices significantly influenced how deeply microplastics are mixed through the soil profile.
Earthworm activity effectively mitigated the negative impact of microplastics on maize growth
Researchers investigated whether earthworms could help reduce the harmful effects of microplastic contamination on soil and crop growth. They found that earthworm activity increased soil nutrient content, boosted microbial diversity, and promoted maize growth even in microplastic-polluted soil. The study suggests that earthworms may serve as a natural tool for managing agricultural soils contaminated with plastic particles.
Microplastic-Earthworm Interactions: A Critical Review
This critical review examines how microplastics from diverse plastic waste categories accumulate in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and interact with earthworms, a key soil organism. The authors synthesize evidence on the deleterious effects of increasing microplastic concentrations on soil properties, microbiota, and earthworm physiology.
Vertical distribution and post-depositional translocation of microplastics in a Rhine floodplain soil
Researchers analyzed a 110-centimeter-deep soil profile from a German river floodplain and found microplastics at every depth, including in layers deposited before the 1950s, suggesting earthworms and plant roots transported particles downward over time. This vertical movement means small microplastics travel deeper into soils than previously thought and complicates using them as markers for recent human impact.