https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2023.042
Published: Kem. Ind. 73 (7-8) (2024) 303–312
Paper reference number: KUI-42/2023
Paper type: Review
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Evaluation of the Ecotoxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Earthworms (Annelid Worm, Annelida) and Nematodes (Nematoda) in Soil

E. Čemerika, A. Knežević, D. Milički and M. Miloloža

Abstract

It is common knowledge that plastic pollution has become one of the foremost environmental problems worldwide. Despite the increasing rates in plastic products recycling, the majority of plastic still finds its way unchecked into the environment. Plastic in itself poses no substantial threat to ecosystems, unlike its degraded components, microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP), which are more reactive and easier to transport due to their reduced size. In recent years, the increasing demand, production, and utilisation of products originally manufactured in the form of MP and NP have further exacerbated the pollution problem. Once released, MPs and NPs tend to accumulate more in terrestrial ecosystems than in aquatic environments, an area that has been researched more comprehensively. Consequently, the degraded components of plastic accumulate within soil-dwelling organisms, which can then further break them down (degrade) through their metabolism. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the ecotoxicity of MP and NP specifically on earthworms, as representatives of the phylum annelid worm (Annelida), and on nematodes (phylum Nematoda), the two most prevalent groups of soil-dwelling invertebrates. Research into the effects of MP and NP on earthworms has so far been conducted on the species Eisenia fetida, Eisenia andrei, and Lumbricus terrestris, with the species Caenorhabditis elegans serving as a representative nematode species. These organisms were exposed to polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP) particles of varying sizes and concentrations. The results of numerous studies on the harmful effects of these polymeric materials on earthworms and nematodes were measured by testing for inhibition of survival and growth rate, showing significant body weight loss, along with damage to the digestive system, and oxidative stress.

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Keywords

microplastics, nanoplastics, soil, ecotoxicity, earthworms, nematodes