Microplastics as vector for pollutants in soils - accumulation of ivermectin in selected lumbricids
Microplastics as vector for pollutants in soils - accumulation of ivermectin in selected lumbricids
Project: Microplastics as vector for pollutants in soils - accumulation of ivermectin in selected lumbricids
Supervision: Prof. Dr. Rolf-Alexander Düring
Person in charge: M.Sc. Johannes Junck
Duration: 2021-2024
Summary:
The ubiquitous occurrence of microplastics is increasingly recognized as a global concern. Microplastics, which can consist of many different polymers, enter the food chain. However, research has so far focused primarily on aquatic ecosystems. Knowledge regarding the impact of microplastics on soil organisms such as earthworms (lumbricids) is still limited. Especially concerning soil fertility and the food chain, it is controversially discussed whether microplastics serve as a vector for pollutants and thus influence the accumulation of certain lipophilic compounds.
In this project, the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics on different earthworm species are investigated. The antiparasitic agent ivermectin, which is applied worldwide in veterinary medicine and enters the soil via animal excretions, is used as a model compound. The sorption and uptake behavior of ivermectin in microplastics is investigated in more detail by sorption studies. In this context, aging processes, and their effects on the interaction with pollutants are also considered. The aim of the project is to gain a better understanding on the effects of microplastic pollution in the soil ecosystem.
Funding: JLU Giessen