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PVC and PET microplastics in caddisfly (Lepidostoma basale) cases reduce case stability

Authors :
Sonja M. Ehlers
Tamara Al Najjar
Jochen H. E. Koop
Thomas Taupp
Source :
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2020.

Abstract

Caddisfly larvae occur in streams and rivers, and many caddisfly species build protective cases using material from their habitat such as sand grains. At the same time, microplastics (MPs) are regularly deposited in aquatic sediments and are incorporated into caddisfly (Lepidostoma basale) cases in the field. However, it is unknown what the effects of MP incorporation into cases might be on the health of the caddisfly larvae. Hence, we offered two commonly used MPs (polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) to L. basale larvae during a laboratory experiment. Both plastic types have a high density and co-occur with L. basale larvae in benthic habitats. In our experiment, L. basale actively used sand, PET and PVC MPs for building tube-like portable or emergency cases. The latter is a temporary shelter under which the larva can hide for immediate protection. Furthermore, case stability decreased with increasing PVC and PET particle content in the cases, suggesting that MPs may threaten caddisflies by destabilising cases. When case stability is reduced, the protective function of the cases is limited and the larvae may be more prone to predation. Additionally, larvae may be washed away by the current as plastic is lighter than sand. Both effects could limit the caddisfly’s survival, which could have far-reaching consequences as caddisfly larvae are important primary consumers in aquatic ecosystems.

Details

ISSN :
16147499 and 09441344
Volume :
27
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....1980172b75264030d79983eefc762f4a
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08790-5