The interplay of larval age and particle size regulates micro-polystyrene biodegradation and development of Tenebrio molitor L.

Zhong, Zheng; Zhou, Xi; Xie, Yichun; Chu, L.M.

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159335

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…78 Besides, terrestrial insects tend to consume smaller plastics at a faster rate. 67 4.4. Polymer Types.…”

Section: Plastic Concentrations or Dosagementioning

confidence: 99%

“…If the particles cannot be excreted, there may be an impact . Besides, terrestrial insects tend to consume smaller plastics at a faster rate …”

Section: Factors Influencing Plastic Toxicitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, the survival of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster exposed to 0.5 μg/mL of PS microspheres was reduced within 5 days, with no survival in males after 14 days (Table S1). Additionally, while approximately 90% of the mealworms ( T. molitor larvae), which have a high ability to degrade PS, survived within the first 10 days following exposure to PS, there was more than 90% mortality after 7 weeks of exposure to all sizes of microplastics (1–2 mm, 2–3 mm, and 3–4 mm) . The difference in acute response likely depends on their plastic-degrading ability.…”

Section: Toxicity Effects Of Plastics In Terrestrial Insectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…66 Additionally, while approximately 90% of the mealworms (T. molitor larvae), which have a high ability to degrade PS, 27 survived within the first 10 days following exposure to PS, there was more than 90% mortality after 7 weeks of exposure to all sizes of microplastics (1−2 mm, 2−3 mm, and 3−4 mm). 67 The difference in acute response likely depends on their plasticdegrading ability.…”

Section: Toxicity Effects Of Plastics In Terrestrial Insectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exposure Pathways and Toxicity of Microplastics in Terrestrial Insects

Sucharitakul,

Wu,

Zhang

et al. 2024

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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The detrimental effects of plastics on aquatic organisms, including those of macroplastics, microplastics, and nanoplastics, have been well established. However, knowledge on the interaction between plastics and terrestrial insects is limited. To develop effective strategies for mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems, it is necessary to understand the toxicity effects and influencing factors of plastic ingestion by insects. An overview of current knowledge regarding plastic ingestion by terrestrial insects is provided in this Review, and the factors influencing this interaction are identified. The pathways through which insects interact with plastics, which can lead to plastic accumulation and microplastic transfer to higher trophic levels, are also discussed using an overview and a conceptual model. The diverse impacts of plastic exposure on insects are discussed, and the challenges in existing studies, such as a limited focus on certain plastic types, are identified. Further research on standardized methods for sampling and analysis is crucial for reliable research, and long-term monitoring is essential to assess plastic trends and ecological impacts in terrestrial ecosystems. The mechanisms underlying these effects need to be uncovered, and their potential long-term consequences for insect populations and ecosystems require evaluation.

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“…78 Besides, terrestrial insects tend to consume smaller plastics at a faster rate. 67 4.4. Polymer Types.…”

Section: Plastic Concentrations or Dosagementioning

confidence: 99%

“…If the particles cannot be excreted, there may be an impact . Besides, terrestrial insects tend to consume smaller plastics at a faster rate …”

Section: Factors Influencing Plastic Toxicitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Toxicity Effects Of Plastics In Terrestrial Insectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Toxicity Effects Of Plastics In Terrestrial Insectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exposure Pathways and Toxicity of Microplastics in Terrestrial Insects

Sucharitakul,

Wu,

Zhang

et al. 2024

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Radical innovation breakthroughs of biodegradation of plastics by insects: history, present and future perspectives

Yang,

Wu,

Bertocchini

et al. 2024

Front. Environ. Sci. Eng.

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Insects damaging and penetrating plastic packaged materials has been reported since the 1950s. Radical innovation breakthroughs of plastic biodegradation have been initiated since the discovery of biodegradation of plastics by Tenebrio molitor larvae in 2015 followed by Galleria mellonella in 2017. Here we review updated studies on the insect-mediated biodegradation of plastics. Plastic biodegradation by insect larvae, mainly by some species of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) and pyralid moths (Pyralidae) is currently a highly active and potentially transformative area of research. Over the past eight years, publications have increased explosively, including discoveries of the ability of different insect species to biodegrade plastics, biodegradation performance, and the contribution of host and microbiomes, impacts of polymer types and their physic-chemical properties, and responsible enzymes secreted by the host and gut microbes. To date, almost all major plastics including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PUR), and polystyrene (PS) can be biodegraded by T. molitor and ten other insect species representing the Tenebrionidae and Pyralidae families. The biodegradation processes are symbiotic reactions or performed by synergistic efforts of both host and gut-microbes to rapidly depolymerize and biodegrade plastics with hourly half-lives. The digestive ezymens and bioreagents screted by the insects play an essential role in plasatic biodegradation in certain species of Tenebrionidae and Pyralidae families. New research on the insect itself, gut microbiomes, transcriptomes, proteomes and metabolomes has evaluated the mechanisms of plastic biodegradation in insects. We conclude this review by discussing future research perspectives on insect-mediated biodegradation of plastics.

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