Evidence of micro and macroplastic toxicity along a stream detrital food-chain

Freshwater ecosystems are subjected to plastic extensive pollution because they are the direct link between plastic wastes and marine ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of different sizes of polyethylene plastics (micro: mu Ps and macroplastics: PBs) on freshwater decomposers of plant litter. We exposed leaf associated microbial assemblages to mu Ps (0.5 or 1.5 g L-1) and discs of PBs as follows: green plastic bags (PBG) alone or in mixtures with transparent plastic bags (PB-Mix). Then, we conducted a feeding preference experiment with the invertebrate shredder Limnephilus sp. to assess their capacity to distinguish leaf discs from PB discs of the same size (12 mm). Leaf decomposition, activities of fungal enzymes and sporulation were inhibited by mu Ps and PB-Mix, and shifts in fungal community composition were observed. The invertebrate shredders preferred to feed on leaves treated with mu Ps avoiding those exposed to PB-G/PB-Mix. Our results demonstrated that plastics can have a direct effect on stream-dwelling microbial decomposers and an indirect effect on higher trophic levels (shredders), highlighting that trophic transfer is a route of plastic exposure. The plastic properties (size, concentration, colour) appear to influence plastic toxicity to microbes and shredders, indicating the importance of considering physicochemical properties when assessing their risks to freshwater ecosystems.

Automated summary

This study assessed the impacts of different sizes of plastic on decomposers in freshwater ecosystems, finding that plastics have both direct and indirect effects on microbial decomposers and higher trophic levels. The properties of plastic appear to influence its toxicity to organisms.