Beneath the surface: Decoding the impact of Chironomus riparius bioturbation on microplastic dispersion in sedimentary matrix.
Sci Total Environ
; 919: 170844, 2024 Apr 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38342470
ABSTRACT
A detailed understanding of microplastics (MPs) behaviour in freshwater ecosystems is crucial for a proper ecological assessment. This includes the identification of significant transport pathways and net accumulation zones, considering their inherent, and already proven influence on aquatic ecosystems. Bioavailability of toxic agents is significantly influenced by macroinvertebrates' behaviour, such as bioturbation and burrowing, and their prior exposure history. This study investigates the effect of bioturbation activity of Chironomus riparius Meigen, 1804 on the vertical transfer of polyethylene MPs ex-situ. The experimental setup exposes larvae to a scenario of 10× the environmentally relevant high concentration of MPs (80 g m-2). Bioturbation activity was estimated using sediment profile imaging with luminophore tracers. This study demonstrated that spherical MPs are vertically transferred in the sediment due to the bioturbation activity of C. riparius larvae and that their presence influences the intensity of the bioturbation activity over time. The present findings provide a noteworthy contribution to the understanding of the relationship between ecosystem engineers and the dispersion and accumulation of MPs within freshwater ecosystems.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Poluentes Químicos da Água
/
Chironomidae
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sci Total Environ
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article