Microplastics in freshwaters: are benthic invertebrates at risk?

Abstract

Microplastics contamination is an increasing environmental problem in freshwater ecosystems, with environmentally consequences as severe as in marine environments. However, studies on the ecological impact of such particles in these ecosystems remain scarce. Here, we show that sediments contaminated with polyethylene microbeads (sized 48 µm) led to a decrease in the growth and development of the dipteran C riparius which led to a delay in emergence of adult insects Furthermore, a 48 h exposure triggered an activation of immune system, induced oxidative damage, and altered energy metabolism. These findings highlight the potential deleterious effects of small sized microplastics 50 µm), at environmental relevant concentrations 1 2 g MPs/Kg sediment w/w), to C riparius and eventually to other benthic macroinvertebrate species.