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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Nanoplastic Transport in Soil via Bioturbation by Lumbricus terrestris
ClearNanoplastic\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.
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.
Bioturbation-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.
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.
Earthworms transport microplastic fibres in soils
Laboratory experiments showed that earthworms actively transport microplastic fibers deeper into soil profiles, suggesting that bioturbation by earthworms represents an important pathway for vertical redistribution of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Earthworms As An Emerging Biotechnological Intervention in the Mitigation of Microplastics
This review explores the emerging role of earthworms as biological agents for degrading microplastics in soil environments. Researchers found that earthworm gut microflora and mucous secretions actively contribute to breaking down plastic polymers through enzymatic depolymerization. The study suggests that earthworm-mediated biodegradation could be a promising biotechnological approach for mitigating microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems.