Interactions of insects with micro- and nanoplastics: A review.
De-la-Torre GE, Flores-Miranda WE, Mora-Lizarme C, Valdiviezo-Gonzales L, Dobaradaran S
Summary
2.8/10Microplastics are widespread in insects globally, with freshwater species and flies particularly affected. The review documents how plastics harm insect development, immunity, and behavior, though some beetles can degrade certain polymers. Significant knowledge gaps remain about long-term ecosystem effects and how microplastic contamination spreads through food webs.
Key Findings
Microplastic concentrations in insects range from 0.21 to 500 items per individual, with freshwater taxa showing highest contamination rates dominated by polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene fibers
Diptera and Lepidoptera demonstrate marked sensitivity to microplastics with sublethal effects spanning development, physiology, immunity, behavior, and gut microbiota disruption
Some coleopteran larvae exhibit capacity to fragment and biodegrade specific plastic polymers, indicating potential biodegradation pathways in insect systems despite limited environmental evidence
Original Abstract
Despite the rapid spread of plastic pollution, and particularly micro- and nanoplastic pollution, a comprehensive systematic review of microplastic distribution and toxicology in terrestrial and aquatic insects has yet to be conducted. This leaves a significant gap in contrast to the well-documented impacts on marine and vertebrate lineages. In light of the current context, the present review synthesises 114 studies that investigated the occurrence, abundance, ecotoxicological effects, and biodegradation potential of plastic particles across major insect orders. Field evidence demonstrates widespread contamination, particularly in freshwater taxa, with fibres and common polymers such as polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene dominating. Microplastic concentrations ranged from as low as 0.21 items/ind. (Trichoptera) to nearly 500 items/ind. in dipteran species. Laboratory studies reveal diverse sublethal effects on development, physiology, immunity, behaviour, and gut microbiota, with Diptera and Lepidoptera showing marked sensitivity, while some coleopteran larvae exhibit the capacity to fragment and biodegrade specific polymers. Despite increasing research efforts, major gaps persist regarding environmentally realistic exposures, trophic transfer, long-term and multigenerational effects, and population-level consequences. Integrating ecotoxicology, ecology, and environmental chemistry is crucial for understanding the ecological significance of insect-microplastic interactions and their broader implications for ecosystem functioning.