Impact of Microplastic Pollutants on Mosquito Development and Survival
Disciplines
Entomology | Molecular Biology | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The increasing use of plastics since the mid-20th century has led to widespread microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. Microplastics vary in shape and size, ranging from 1µm to 5mm. These microplastic particles accumulate in the sediment or remain suspended in the water column, after which they are consumed by aquatic or terrestrial organisms. Subsequent bioaccumulation of these particles may result in reproductive, endocrine, and/or digestive damage to exposed organisms. This project investigated the impact of 2µm microplastic particles on the development and survival of the mosquito, Aedes albopictus. By examining the effects of common environmental pollutants on Ae. albopictus, we seek to understand how such pollutants impact mosquito population dynamics.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Andrew Haddow
Impact of Microplastic Pollutants on Mosquito Development and Survival
The increasing use of plastics since the mid-20th century has led to widespread microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. Microplastics vary in shape and size, ranging from 1µm to 5mm. These microplastic particles accumulate in the sediment or remain suspended in the water column, after which they are consumed by aquatic or terrestrial organisms. Subsequent bioaccumulation of these particles may result in reproductive, endocrine, and/or digestive damage to exposed organisms. This project investigated the impact of 2µm microplastic particles on the development and survival of the mosquito, Aedes albopictus. By examining the effects of common environmental pollutants on Ae. albopictus, we seek to understand how such pollutants impact mosquito population dynamics.