Work

The comparison effect on earthworms between conventional and biodegradable microplastics

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: A lot studies have demonstrated the toxicological effects of microplastics on organisms. Much research focused on conventional plastics effects on organisms with short-term exposure. However, the potential effects of biodegradable plastics have been largely overlooked, especially concerning their impact after long-term exposure. Therefore, we conducted the experiment to study the effects of different types of microplastics (polyethylene, PE, and polylactic acid, PLA) on earthworms, considering different concentrations (0.5%, 2% and 5%), particle sizes (100, 500 and 1000 mesh), and different exposure durations (14 and 28 days). Our results revealed that the negative effect was more pronounced under PE exposure compared to PLA exposure, particularly under short-term exposure conditions. Interestingly, as the exposure time increased, earthworms showed potentially physical adaptation to PE and PLA environments. Furthermore, our results indicate a close relationship between the effects of PE and PLA on earthworms and the activities of certain enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase, SOD, catalase, CAT and malondialdehyde, MDA), which are used to evaluate the degree of antioxidant damage. In conclusion, through our study, compared to conventional microplastics (PE), the biodegradable microplastics (PLA) exhibit weaker toxic effects on earthworms under long-term exposure. However, there is still a potential for negative effects associated with the use of PLA in agricultural production. Additionally, considering the adaptation abilities of organisms, extending the experimental period is necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of microplastics on organisms.

Source: Heliyon

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37308

Authors: Hailong Lai, Shuwen Han, Jinyu Sun, Yujing Fang, Ping Liu, Haitao Zhao

Institutions: Yangzhou University, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen University & Research

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,100