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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) facilitate the uptake of microplastics by a freshwater fish (Ameiurus nebulosus)
ClearMicroplastics of different characteristics are incorporated into the larval cases of the freshwater caddisfly Lepidostoma basale
Researchers found that the freshwater caddisfly larva Lepidostoma basale actively incorporated microplastics of various sizes, shapes, and polymer types into its larval case alongside natural materials, representing a novel pathway of microplastic interaction beyond dietary ingestion in aquatic insects.
Preliminary indoor evidences of microplastic effects on freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates
Researchers exposed caddisfly and mayfly larvae to various microplastic polymers in laboratory experiments and found that caddisflies incorporated microplastics into their rebuilt cases and mayflies preferentially burrowed in microplastic substrates over natural ones. The study suggests that freshwater macroinvertebrates may not perceive microplastics as a direct threat, raising concerns about chronic exposure effects in heavily contaminated waterways.
Dietary uptake, biodistribution, and depuration of microplastics in the freshwater diving beetle Cybister japonicus: Effects on predacious behavior
A freshwater diving beetle was found to accumulate microplastics by eating contaminated zebrafish, with the plastics moving from the fish's body into the beetle's tissues. This shows that microplastics transfer between predators and their prey in freshwater food webs, not just marine ones.
Caddisfly Larvae are a Driver of Plastic Litter Breakdown and Microplastic Formation in Freshwater Environments
Researchers found that freshwater caddisfly larvae actively incorporate polylactic acid plastic film into their protective cases and rapidly fragment it into hundreds of microplastic particles, representing a previously unrecognized biological mechanism of microplastic formation in freshwater ecosystems.
High Density of Microplastics in the Caddisfly Larvae Cases
High densities of microplastics were found embedded in the cases (shelters built from environmental debris) of caddisfly larvae, with plastics replacing natural materials like sand grains and plant fragments. This documents how widespread microplastic contamination has become in freshwater insect habitats and raises concerns about its effects on larval development.
Trophic transfer of microplastics from producer (Lemna minuta) to primary consumer (Cataclysta lemnata) in a freshwater food chain
Researchers demonstrated that microplastics can transfer through a freshwater food chain from a tiny aquatic plant (Lemna minuta) to the larvae of a moth that feeds on it. The larvae that consumed microplastic-contaminated plants showed the fluorescent particles in their bodies, confirming trophic transfer. The study provides evidence that microplastics can move up the food chain even at the most basic producer-to-consumer level in freshwater ecosystems.
PVC and PET microplastics in caddisfly (Lepidostoma basale) cases reduce case stability
Caddisfly larvae (Lepidostoma basale) incorporated PVC and PET microplastics into their protective cases in the laboratory, and increasing plastic content made the cases less structurally stable than cases built from sand. Weaker cases could impair the larvae's protection from predators and their ability to resist stream currents.
Trophic transfer of microplastics from mysids to fish greatly exceeds direct ingestion from the water column
This study compared how fish take in microplastics directly from water versus through eating contaminated prey. Researchers found that fish consumed far more microplastics by eating prey organisms that had already ingested plastic particles than by filtering them from the water, highlighting that the food chain is a major route of microplastic exposure for predators.
Microplastic ingestion in invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki): a nationwide survey from Türkiye
Researchers surveyed microplastic ingestion in over 600 mosquitofish across 24 freshwater sites in Türkiye, finding microplastics in fish at nearly all sites, with PET and polyethylene fibers dominating and higher contamination near agricultural and residential areas. The study demonstrates that this invasive, surface-feeding fish is an effective indicator species for tracking localized microplastic pollution.
Microplastic ingestion in invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki): a nationwide survey from Türkiye
Researchers conducted a nationwide survey of microplastic ingestion in 621 invasive mosquitofish across 24 freshwater sites in Turkey. They found that fibers were the dominant particle shape at 66%, with PET and polyethylene being the most common polymer types, and that fish from sites with higher anthropogenic pressure contained more microplastics. The study provides large-scale evidence that freshwater fish widely ingest microplastics, with contamination levels reflecting local human activity.
Uptake, removal and trophic transfer of fluorescent polyethylene microplastics by freshwater model organisms: the impact of particle size and food availability
Researchers used fluorescent polyethylene microplastics of different sizes to track how they move through a freshwater food chain from algae to water fleas to zebrafish. They found that smaller particles were ingested and transferred more readily between organisms, and that food availability influenced how many microplastics accumulated. The study demonstrates that microplastics can move up the food chain and that particle size plays a key role in how they are transported through aquatic ecosystems.
Microplastic bioaccumulation in odonata larvae: Integrating evidence from experimental studies in freshwater microcosm
Researchers conducted laboratory experiments simulating bromeliad-tank ecosystems to study how microplastics accumulate and transfer through freshwater food webs. They found that prey-mediated exposure led to significantly greater microplastic accumulation in predatory dragonfly larvae than direct waterborne contact. The study provides experimental evidence that microplastics can bioaccumulate and transfer up the food chain in freshwater invertebrate communities.
The significance of trophic transfer of microplastics in the accumulation of plastic additives in fish: An experimental study using brominated flame retardants and UV stabilizers
Researchers found that trophic transfer through food is a more significant route than direct water exposure for fish accumulation of plastic-derived chemicals, including brominated flame retardants and UV stabilizers associated with microplastics.
Trophic transfer of microplastics in a model freshwater microcosm; lack of a consumer avoidance response
A model freshwater microcosm was used to test whether the aquatic plant Lemna minor could transfer microplastics to a consumer, finding that trophic transfer occurred and that the consumer did not avoid microplastic-contaminated food. The results confirm food-chain transfer of microplastics through simple aquatic systems and the lack of behavioral avoidance by primary consumers.
Uptake and Transfer of Polyamide Microplastics in a Freshwater Mesocosm Study
A freshwater mesocosm study tracked the trophic and ontogenetic transfer of polyamide microplastics through an aquatic food web under near-natural conditions, confirming that particles were transferred between prey and predators at multiple levels. The results demonstrate that microplastic transfer through food webs occurs in realistic community settings, not just isolated laboratory tests.
Transfer and effects of PET microfibers in Chironomus riparius
Researchers exposed the aquatic insect Chironomus riparius to PET microfibers in sediment and demonstrated for the first time that ingested microfibers transfer from larvae to adults, providing proof of aquatic-to-terrestrial microplastic transfer via insect emergence — though no significant growth, development, or stress-response effects were observed at the tested concentrations.
Uptake routes of microplastics in fishes: practical and theoretical approaches to test existing theories
This experimental study tested multiple proposed mechanisms by which fish ingest microplastics — including prey confusion, accidental ingestion, and trophic transfer — using controlled laboratory conditions, finding that feeding behavior type and prey size relative to particle size are key determining factors.
Microplastics and sorbed contaminants – Trophic exposure in fish sensitive early life stages
Zebrafish and marine medaka larvae fed on microplastic-laden prey organisms accumulated contaminants like benzo[a]pyrene but did not show significant microplastic accumulation or tissue translocation, as particles were rapidly egested. The study shows that even tiny prey organisms can transfer chemical pollutants to fish larvae via the trophic chain.
Ejection, ingestion and fragmentation of mesoplastic fibres to microplastics by Anax imperator larvae (Odonata: Aeshnidae)
Dragonfly larvae (Anax imperator) were found to eject, ingest, and physically fragment mesoplastic fibers into microplastic pieces, identifying freshwater insects as potential agents in the environmental breakdown of plastic litter. This unexpected role of invertebrates in plastic fragmentation could contribute to the spread of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems.
Ingested Microplastics Can Act as Microbial Vectors of Ichthyofauna
Nylon strips ingested and excreted by wild fish were found to harbor adherent microbiota including potential pathogens, demonstrating that microplastics can vector microorganisms through fish gut passage and into aquatic environments.
Transfer of benzo[a]pyrene from microplastics to Artemia nauplii and further to zebrafish via a trophic food web experiment: CYP1A induction and visual tracking of persistent organic pollutants
Researchers tracked the transfer of the carcinogenic chemical benzo[a]pyrene from microplastics to Artemia brine shrimp nauplii and then to a fish predator, finding that microplastics can serve as a vector transferring toxic chemicals up the food chain.
Preliminary Observations on the Use of Microplastics by Aquatic Larvae of the Moth Cataclysta lemnata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Researchers observed for the first time that aquatic moth larvae use microplastic particles to build their protective cases, incorporating various plastic polymers alongside natural plant material. The larvae also chewed through PVC sheets, and about half of the exposed larvae successfully completed their development into adult moths. The findings suggest that microplastics may be entering insect life cycles in ways that could connect aquatic and land-based ecosystems.
Translocation, trophic transfer, accumulation and depuration of polystyrene microplastics in Daphnia magna and Pimephales promelas
Researchers studied the trophic transfer of polystyrene microplastics from water fleas (Daphnia magna) to fathead minnows to understand how plastics move through freshwater food chains. Microplastic particles were found only in the gastrointestinal tract of both species with no evidence of tissue translocation, and both species were able to depurate particles after exposure ended. The study found that bioaccumulation factors were low, suggesting limited buildup potential through this particular food chain pathway.
Microplastic Vector Effects: Are Fish at Risk When Exposed via the Trophic Chain?
Three-spined sticklebacks exposed to chlorpyrifos-contaminated microplastics via a trophic chain accumulated the pesticide in their bodies and showed inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity and hyperactivity, a behavioral change that could increase vulnerability to predators. The study confirms that microplastics can deliver contaminants to fish and alter organ distribution of chemicals compared to direct water exposure.