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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Visualizing and assessing the size-dependent oral uptake, tissue distribution, and detrimental effect of polystyrene microplastics in Eisenia fetida
ClearToxicological effects of polystyrene microplastics on earthworm (Eisenia fetida)
Researchers exposed earthworms to two sizes of polystyrene microplastics in soil for 14 days and found evidence of intestinal cell damage, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. The larger particles accumulated more in earthworm intestines, while both sizes triggered changes in key antioxidant markers. The study demonstrates that microplastic contamination in soil can cause measurable biological harm to important soil organisms.
Ecotoxicological effects of different size ranges of industrial-grade polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics on earthworms Eisenia fetida
Researchers exposed earthworms to industrial-grade polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics of various sizes and found that the worms ingested all types of particles tested. The microplastics caused oxidative stress and DNA damage in the earthworms, with the severity depending on both the size and type of plastic. Gene analysis revealed that exposure disrupted pathways related to nervous system function, oxidative stress, and inflammation, indicating that microplastics pose ecological risks to important soil organisms.
Polystyrene Nanoplastics Elicit Multiple Responses in Immune Cells of the Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826)
This study examined how nanoplastics from polystyrene affect the immune cells of earthworms, which play a critical role in soil ecosystems. Researchers found that the tiny plastic particles were taken up by the cells, triggered oxidative stress, weakened antioxidant defenses, destabilized cell membranes, and initiated early-stage cell death. The results provide cellular-level evidence that nanoplastic exposure poses ecological risks to soil-dwelling organisms.
Size effects of polystyrene microplastics on the accumulation and toxicity of (semi-)metals in earthworms
Researchers studied how different sizes of polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics affect the uptake of cadmium and arsenic in earthworms. They found that microplastics facilitated greater accumulation of these metals than nanoplastics by damaging intestinal integrity, with proteomic and metabolomic analysis revealing disruptions to the earthworms' immune and metabolic systems.
Size effects of microplastics on accumulation and elimination of phenanthrene in earthworms
Researchers examined how microplastic particle size affects the accumulation and elimination of the pollutant phenanthrene in earthworms. They found that smaller microplastics enhanced phenanthrene uptake in earthworm tissues, while larger particles had a less pronounced effect. The study demonstrates that microplastic size influences how organic pollutants interact with soil organisms, with finer particles potentially increasing contaminant bioavailability.
Multigenerational growth inhibition and oxidative stress of polystyrene micro(nano)plastics on earthworms (Eisenia fetida)
Researchers exposed earthworms to polystyrene nano- and microplastics across two generations, finding both particle types reduced offspring numbers by 23–39%, disrupted reproductive tissue structure, and caused oxidative stress, with nanoplastics producing more severe multigenerational effects.
Microplastic-induced reductions in population abundance and body size of soil nematodes
Researchers exposed three species of soil nematodes to polystyrene microplastics of different sizes and found significant reductions in both population numbers and body size after 45 days. The smallest particles (0.1 micrometers) caused the most severe effects, demonstrating that microplastic toxicity to soil organisms is size-dependent.
Polystyrene (nano)microplastics cause size-dependent neurotoxicity, oxidative damage and other adverse effects inCaenorhabditis elegans
Researchers found that polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics cause neurotoxicity and oxidative damage in the model organism C. elegans, with effects varying by particle size. Smaller nanoscale particles tended to cause more severe toxic responses than larger microplastic particles. The study highlights that the size of plastic particles is an important factor in determining how harmful they are to living organisms.
Microplastic cytotoxicity and the phagocytic response of earthworm immune cells
Researchers tested the effects of polyethylene microplastics on earthworm immune cells in laboratory conditions and found that cells engulfed 85% of small particles (1-10 micrometers) but showed negligible uptake of larger ones (20-27 micrometers). Both particle sizes caused dramatic drops in cell viability to just 6-7%, compared to 94% in untreated controls. The findings reveal that different microplastic sizes trigger distinct pathways of cellular damage in soil organisms.
Effects of polyethylene microplastics stress on soil physicochemical properties mediated by earthworm Eisenia fetida
Researchers exposed earthworms to polyethylene microplastics of two sizes and found that smaller particles (13 micrometers) were more toxic than larger ones (130 micrometers), reducing survival and growth more severely. The microplastics caused oxidative stress in the worms and altered key soil properties including pH and organic carbon content. Since earthworms play a vital role in maintaining healthy soil for agriculture, this damage could affect soil quality and ultimately the food grown in microplastic-contaminated farmland.
Insights into microplastic exposure routes in the earthworm (Eisenia fetida): Gut and skin
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.
Randomly-shaped nanoplastics induced stronger biotoxicity targeted to earthworm Eisenia fetida species: Differential effects and the underlying mechanisms of realistic and commercial polystyrene nanoplastics
Researchers compared the toxicity of commercially produced spherical nanoplastics with irregularly shaped nanoplastics that more closely resemble what is found in the real environment, testing both on earthworms. The randomly shaped particles were significantly more toxic, causing greater oxidative stress, DNA damage, and tissue injury at lower concentrations. The findings suggest that most lab studies using uniform spherical particles may underestimate the actual environmental risks of nanoplastic pollution.
Combined Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics at the Predicted Environmental Concentration on Functional State of Intestinal Barrier in Caenorhabditis elegans
Researchers used the roundworm C. elegans to study the combined effects of nano- and micro-sized polystyrene particles at concentrations similar to what is found in the environment. They found that co-exposure caused more severe intestinal damage than either particle size alone, including increased oxidative stress and impaired gut barrier function. The study suggests that the real-world mixture of different-sized plastic particles may be more harmful than studies of single sizes would predict.
Earthworms ingest microplastic fibres and nanoplastics with effects on egestion rate and long-term retention
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.
Defense responses in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to low-density polyethylene microplastics in soils
Researchers exposed earthworms to low-density polyethylene microplastics in soil at various concentrations for 28 days. They found that the earthworms ingested microplastics in a dose-dependent manner and actually broke some particles into smaller pieces during digestion, with about 30% more particles under 100 micrometers found in their excrement compared to the original soil. At higher concentrations, the microplastics triggered oxidative stress and neurotoxic responses, suggesting potential ecological risks to soil organisms.
Size-dependent and tissue specific accumulation of polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics in zebrafish
Researchers tracked size-dependent accumulation of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in multiple zebrafish tissues, finding that smaller particles distributed more broadly throughout the body compared to larger ones. Nanoplastics showed greater systemic distribution including into brain and reproductive tissues, raising concerns about size-dependent health risks.
Divergent responses in microbial metabolic limitations and carbon use efficiency to variably sized polystyrene microplastics in soil
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics of all sizes disrupted soil microbe metabolism, but the smallest particles (nanoscale, 0.1 micrometers) caused the most stress. Smaller particles were more likely to enter microbial cells directly and reduce the efficiency with which soil microbes process carbon. This matters because soil microbes play a critical role in carbon cycling, and widespread microplastic contamination could affect how soil stores and releases carbon.
Molecular mechanisms of nano-sized polystyrene plastics induced cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity in Eisenia fetida
Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics affect earthworm immune cells and found that exposure caused significant oxidative stress, DNA damage, and weakened immune function. The nanoplastics physically bound to and damaged lysozyme, a key immune protein, impairing the earthworms' ability to fight off infections. Since earthworms are essential soil organisms, this immune damage could have cascading effects on soil health and the agricultural systems that humans depend on.
Analysis of Biodistribution and in vivo Toxicity of Varying Sized Polystyrene Micro and Nanoplastics in Mice
This study found that smaller plastic particles spread more widely through the bodies of mice and caused more organ damage than larger ones, particularly in the liver, kidneys, and heart. Nanoplastics (under 1 micrometer) were especially concerning because they crossed biological barriers more easily than microplastics. The results suggest that the tiniest plastic particles in our environment may pose the greatest health risks.
Size-dependent effects of polystyrene plastic particles on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as related to soil physicochemical properties.
This study exposed the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to two sizes of polystyrene particles in both liquid and soil media and found that smaller particles were more toxic in liquid while larger particles caused greater harm in soil. The results show that the physical properties of the surrounding environment significantly influence how microplastics harm soil organisms.
Negligible effects of microplastics on animal fitness and HOC bioaccumulation in earthworm Eisenia fetida in soil
Researchers exposed earthworms to polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics at concentrations up to 20 percent of soil dry weight and measured oxidative stress biomarkers. While the highest concentration caused some biochemical changes, no significant effects were observed at 10 percent or below, which covers most realistic environmental scenarios. The study also found that microplastics reduced the bioaccumulation of PAHs and PCBs in earthworm tissues, suggesting that the particles may actually limit the uptake of certain organic pollutants in soil organisms.
Microplastic-Induced Reductions in Population, Fecundity, and Body Size of Soil Nematodes
Three soil nematode species were exposed to polystyrene microplastics at 0.1, 0.5, and 1 µm sizes for 45 days, revealing size-dependent reductions in population abundance, fecundity, and body size, with smaller particles generally more harmful.
Polystyrene microplastics impact the occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes in earthworms by size-dependent toxic effects
Researchers exposed earthworms to polystyrene microplastics of different sizes in soil and found that 10-micrometer particles at low concentrations led to the highest abundance of antibiotic resistance genes. The microplastics caused toxicity that altered gut microbial communities, changing the microenvironment and favoring bacteria carrying resistance genes. The study highlights that microplastic size plays a critical role in driving the spread of antibiotic resistance in terrestrial environments.
Impact of Conventional vs. Biodegradable and Compostable Microplastics on Eisenia fetida S.: An Ecopathological Approach
Researchers compared the effects of biodegradable and conventional polyethylene microplastics on soil-dwelling earthworms and found that both types caused increased mortality, decreased biomass, and tissue damage after 14 days of exposure. The study suggests that biodegradable microplastics are not necessarily safer than conventional ones, and that detailed tissue analysis can reveal harmful sublethal effects not captured by standard toxicity tests.