Current state of knowledge on the effect of microplastics on macroinvertebrate communities in lotic ecosystems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.acbi/v47n122a02Keywords:
emerging contaminants, microplastics, trophic levels, ecosystem harm, rivers, transferAbstract
The global production of plastic amounts to 6.3 billion tons, greatly influencing the increasing contamination from plastic products and resulting in a problem that affects ecosystems in various ways, especially freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems have recently been identified as the main sinks for plastic particles because they are directly exposed to human settlements and consequently to anthropogenic activities. The incorporation of microplastics at the base of the food web occurs through their ingestion by different macroinvertebrates, such as (i) filter feeders: Daphnia magna, (ii) shredders: Gammarus pulex and Hyalella azteca, (iii) collectors: Culex pipiens, Chironomus riparius, Chironomus tepperi, and (iv) herbivores like the snail Physella acuta. Microplastic ingestion can lead to the blockage of the digestive tract, increased mortality, decreased fecundity, inflammatory responses, altered metabolism, disrupted reproduction, behavioral changes, and depleted energy reserves. Consequently, microplastics pose a threat to macroinvertebrate communities with severe ecosystem -level consequences. However, it is necessary to understand the true risks of microplastics in freshwater and other ecosystems, considering the structure, functional characteristics, and behavior of the study organisms to guide public decision-making awareness. This narrative review paper was conducted by consulting national and international databases to compile publications that reflect the current state of knowledge on the effect of microplastics on macroinvertebrate communities in lotic ecosystems.
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