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Contributor
Michael J. Vallor
Digital Publisher
Digital Commons at St. Mary's University
Publication Date
Spring 2025
Keywords
ecosystems; soil health; nanoplastic; microplastics; environments
Description
Microplastic and nanoplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, with potential impacts on soil ecosystems and the organisms within them. Insects play a crucial role in soil health, and their digestive processes may influence the fate of microplastics in terrestrial environments.
Detection of micro- and nano-plastic particles in complex mixtures such as soil, sediments, and feces is difficult because these small particles often resemble particles of mineral or organic materials. One way to visualize them more specifically is by using Nile Red, a stain which is a dull blue when in aqueous on hydrophilic conditions, but which fluoresces bright red when exposed to hydrophilic conditions, such as adsorption to the surface of a microplastic particle. 1-4
This study aims to analyze the hindgut contents of the beetle larva Zophobas morio using fluorescence microscopy to detect and quantify digested microplastics. Specifically, we will examine polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, and polystyrene foam (“Styrofoam.”) By analyzing the concentration of these plastics in Zophobas morio feces (“frass”), we can better understand the extent of plastic ingestion and its potential effects on soil ecosystems
Format
City
San Antonio, Texas
Included in
Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Sedimentology Commons, Soil Science Commons
