Mechanisms Influencing the Impact of Microplastics on Freshwater Benthic Invertebrates: Uptake Dynamics and Adverse Effects on Chironomus Riparius

28 Pages Posted: 19 Sep 2022

See all articles by Joana C. Prata

Joana C. Prata

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Carlos Silva

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Dalila Serpa

Universidade de Aveiro - Department of Environment and Planning

Amadeu M.V.M. Soares

Universidade de Aveiro - Department of Biology

Carlos Gravato

University of Lisbon - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM)

Ana L. Patrício Silva

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Abstract

Chironomids inhabit freshwater benthic ecosystems which are prone to microplastic contamination. This work aimed at understanding the factors and mechanisms influencing microplastic uptake and related adverse effects on Chrironomus riparius, by exploring an extensive project database, conducting a literature review, and performing an agent-based model to explore trends in data. Results reveal that high concentrations of small microplastics fill the gut of fourth instar C. riparius (99.7%). Ingested microplastics had an average size of 38 – 61 µm, presenting slower elimination rates than undigested organic or mineral particles. Ingestion rates of microplastics depend mainly on encounter rates, and therefore on available concentrations, until reaching a plateau corresponding to the maximum gut volume. Short-term toxicity of microplastics seems to result from damage to gut epithelium, with inflammatory reactions, production of reactive oxygen species, and a negative energy balance exacerbated by the lack of food (organic matter). Long-term toxicity is characterized by a reduction in larval body length and increase in mean time to emergence, seemly from increased energy costs rather than a decrease in nutrient absorption. Wild chironomids already present microplastics in their guts and environmental concentrations in hotspots may already exceed no effect concentrations. Therefore, environmental exposure to microplastics may induce adverse effects to wild C. riparius in freshwater benthic ecosystems.

Keywords: Individual-based model, agent-based model, midge larvae, dipteran

Suggested Citation

Prata, Joana C. and Silva, Carlos and Serpa, Dalila and Soares, Amadeu M.V.M. and Gravato, Carlos and Silva, Ana L. Patrício, Mechanisms Influencing the Impact of Microplastics on Freshwater Benthic Invertebrates: Uptake Dynamics and Adverse Effects on Chironomus Riparius. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4223058 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4223058

Joana C. Prata

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Carlos Silva

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Dalila Serpa

Universidade de Aveiro - Department of Environment and Planning ( email )

Amadeu M.V.M. Soares

Universidade de Aveiro - Department of Biology ( email )

Carlos Gravato (Contact Author)

University of Lisbon - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) ( email )

Campo Grande
Portugal

Ana L. Patrício Silva

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

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