Microplastic particles reduce reproduction in the terrestrial worm Enchytraeus crypticus in a soil exposure.

Terrestrial environments are subject to extensive pollution by plastics and, based on the slow degradation of plastics, are likely to act as long term sinks for microplastic debris. Currently the hazards of microplastics in soil and the potential impacts on soil organisms is poorly understood. Particularly the role of particle characteristics, such a size or polymer type, in dose-response relationships for microplastics is not known. The aim of this study was to assess the ingestion and toxicity of nylon (polyamide) particles, in three different size ranges, to Enchytraeus crypticus in a soil exposure. Effects were also compared with those of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles, in a single size range. Nylon particle ingestion was confirmed using fluorescence microscopy, with greatest ingestion for particles in the smallest size range (13-18 μm). To investigate how particle size affected survival and reproduction, E. crypticus were exposed to nylon particles in two well-defined size ranges (13-18 and 90-150 μm) and concentrations of 20, 50, 90 and 120 g/kg (2-12% w/w). An intermediate nylon size range (63-90 μm) and a larger sized PVC particle (106-150 μm), both at 90 g/kg, were also tested. Survival was not affected by either of the polymer types or sizes. Reproduction was significantly reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, by the nylon particles at high exposure concentrations (>90 g/kg). Smaller size ranges (13-18 μm) had a greater effect compared to larger size ranges (>63 μm), with a calculated EC

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