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Interactions between microplastics and Culex sp. larvae in wastewater.

Azza M Khedre1, Somaia A Ramadan1, Ali Ashry1

  • 1Group of Entomology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt.

Water Environment Research : a Research Publication of the Water Environment Federation
|February 22, 2024
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Summary

Wastewater in Egypt is highly contaminated with microplastics (MPs), posing risks to aquatic life. Culex sp. larvae ingest MPs, showing a preference for specific types like blue polyester fibers.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Aquatic Ecology

Background:

  • Microplastic (MP) pollution is a significant environmental concern, impacting aquatic ecosystems and human health.
  • Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are identified as major sources of MPs, yet data on their abundance and ecological transfer in regions like Egypt remain limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the seasonal distribution of MPs in surface water and Culex sp. larvae within a wastewater basin in Sohag Governorate, Egypt.
  • To assess the MP contamination levels using risk indices and evaluate the ecological risks posed by these pollutants.

Main Methods:

  • Sampling of surface water and Culex sp. larvae from a fixed wastewater basin over different seasons.
  • Quantification and characterization of MPs in water and larvae.
  • Calculation of Hazard (H), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) for MP contamination assessment.

Main Results:

  • Surface water exhibited an average MP concentration of 3.01 ± 0.9 particles/L, with significantly higher levels in winter.
  • The wastewater basin showed extremely high MP contamination (PLI: 88-120) and high ecological risk (RI: Level V).
  • Culex sp. larvae had an 85% MP detection rate, with ingestion influenced by MP characteristics (shape, color, polymer), favoring smaller (<1000 μm) black and red fibrous polyester.

Conclusions:

  • Wastewater in the study area is heavily contaminated with MPs across seasons, posing a significant ecological risk.
  • This study provides the first report on the seasonal abundance of MPs in Culex sp. larvae in Egypt.
  • Culex sp. larvae demonstrate a feeding preference for MPs with specific characteristics, suggesting potential trophic transfer and bioaccumulation pathways.