Progress on the Effects of Microplastics on Aquatic Crustaceans: A Review

Abstract

It is impossible to overlook the effects of microplastics on aquatic life as they continuously accumulate in aquatic environments. Aquatic crustaceans, as both predator and prey, play an important role in the food web and energy transmission. It is of great practical significance to pay attention to the toxic effects of microplastics on aquatic crustaceans. This review finds that most studies have shown that microplastics negatively affect the life history, behaviors and physiological functions of aquatic crustaceans under experimental conditions. The effects of microplastics of different sizes, shapes or types on aquatic crustaceans are different. Generally, smaller microplastics have more negative effects on aquatic crustaceans. Irregular microplastics have more negative effects on aquatic crustaceans than regular microplastics. When microplastics co-exist with other contaminants, they have a greater negative impact on aquatic crustaceans than single contaminants. This review contributes to rapidly understanding the effects of microplastics on aquatic crustaceans, providing a basic framework for the ecological threat of microplastics to aquatic crustaceans.

(Micro-)Plastics in Saturated and Unsaturated Groundwater Bodies: First Evidence of Presence in Groundwater Fauna and Habitats

“…Moreover, the long-term ecological consequences of MP ingestion on groundwater fauna are still unknown. Drawing upon findings from prior research on aquatic fauna, it is reasonable to anticipate that stygobitic species exposed to MPs may experience a spectrum of detrimental impacts (e.g., [86]) spanning from disrupted feeding patterns to compromised reproductive health. Key concerns include the likelihood of gastrointestinal damage due to the ingestion of hard MPs, shifts in energy metabolism, genetic mutations, changes in excretory functions, and complex, sometimes conflicting, interactions with other hydrophobic organic pollutants [30].…”

Spatio-temporal patterns of ovarian development and VgR gene silencing reduced fecundity in parthenogenetic Artemia

“…These offspring are considered ‘full clones’ with the same genotype and are genetically identical to their mother [18,19]. For Artemia , the subjects of biological research mainly focuses on diapause and de-diapause mechanism [20], viviparous and ovoviviparous reproduction regulation [21] and physiological response to the toxicological exposure [22,23].…”