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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic-induced reductions in population abundance and body size of soil nematodes
ClearMicroplastic-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.
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.
Size- and Time-Dependent Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics on Soil Nematode Communities: A 360-Day Field Experiment
A year-long field experiment examined how polyethylene microplastics of seven different size fractions affect soil nematode communities. Researchers found that microplastic effects on nematode composition, trophic structure, and community stability were clearly dependent on both particle size and exposure duration, with smaller particles and longer exposure generally causing greater ecological disruption in soil ecosystems.
Toxicological impacts of microplastics on virulence, reproduction and physiological process of entomopathogenic nematodes
This study found that polystyrene microplastics are toxic to beneficial soil nematodes that naturally control insect pests in agriculture. The microplastics reduced the nematodes' survival, reproduction, and ability to kill pest insects, with smaller particles and higher concentrations causing the most damage. This matters because losing these natural pest controllers could lead to increased pesticide use, creating a cycle of more chemical contamination in the soil and food supply.
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.
Toxicological 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.
Effects of different sizes of polystyrene micro(nano)plastics on soil microbial communities.
This study tested how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastic particles of three sizes affect soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling, finding that smaller particles caused greater disruption to nitrogen cycling and microbial activity. The results suggest that as plastics in soil fragment into smaller pieces over time, their impact on soil biology and fertility may worsen.
Effects of polystyrene microplastics on the fitness of earthworms in an agricultural soil
Researchers exposed earthworms to polystyrene microplastics in agricultural soil at various concentrations. The study found that low concentrations had little effect, but high concentrations (1% and above) significantly inhibited growth and increased mortality, suggesting microplastic pollution poses ecological risks to soil organisms in terrestrial ecosystems.
Species-specific effects of long-term microplastic exposure on the population growth of nematodes, with a focus on microplastic ingestion
Scientists conducted long-term microplastic exposure experiments on freshwater nematode species and found species-specific effects on population growth, with ingestion rates and harm varying substantially across species despite identical exposure conditions.
Visualizing and assessing the size-dependent oral uptake, tissue distribution, and detrimental effect of polystyrene microplastics in Eisenia fetida
Researchers investigated size-dependent effects of polystyrene microplastics on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) using particles of 70 nanometers, 1 micrometer, and 10 micrometers at various doses. They found that smaller particles were more readily taken up into tissues and caused greater oxidative stress and tissue damage. The study suggests that nanoscale plastic particles may pose higher ecological risks to soil organisms than larger microplastics due to their enhanced ability to penetrate biological barriers.
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.
Microplastic particles reduce reproduction in the terrestrial worm Enchytraeus crypticus in a soil exposure
Researchers exposed terrestrial worms (Enchytraeus crypticus) to nylon and PVC microplastic particles of different sizes in soil. They found that while survival was unaffected, reproduction was significantly reduced at high concentrations, with smaller particles causing greater reproductive harm than larger ones. The study demonstrates that microplastic particle size is an important factor in determining toxicity to soil organisms, with implications for assessing environmental risk in terrestrial ecosystems.
Species sensitivity distributions of micro- and nanoplastics in soil based on particle characteristics
Researchers analyzed data from 74 studies to assess which soil organisms are most sensitive to micro and nanoplastics, finding that smaller particles and polystyrene types pose the greatest ecological risk. The hazardous concentration threshold for soil organisms was estimated at about 88 mg per kilogram of soil. This is the first study to factor in microplastic physical properties when calculating species sensitivity, providing a foundation for soil pollution guidelines.
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.
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.
Polyester microplastic fibers affect soil physical properties and erosion as a function of soil type
Researchers investigated the effects of polystyrene microplastics on the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, finding reduced reproduction, altered locomotion, and increased expression of stress-response genes at environmentally relevant concentrations.
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.
Food availability is crucial for effects of 1-μm polystyrene beads on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in freshwater sediments
Researchers found that the effects of polystyrene microplastics on the nematode C. elegans in freshwater sediments depended critically on food availability, with negative impacts on reproduction only emerging under low-food conditions.
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.
Microplastics Effects on Reproduction and Body Length of the Soil-Dwelling Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Researchers compared the effects of conventional low-density polyethylene microplastics and biodegradable polymer microplastics on reproduction and body length in the soil nematode C. elegans. The study found that microplastic exposure affected these organisms, highlighting that even biodegradable plastics may pose risks to soil-dwelling invertebrates and that terrestrial microplastic toxicity deserves greater research attention.