Scientists make disturbing discovery after testing everyday material on key soil creatures: 'It holds scientific significance'
South Korean scientists discovered that microplastic pollution could lower the immune health of soil-dwelling organisms. The research, published in July's edition of the Journal of Hazardous Materials, is the first to find a link between microplastics and a weakened immune response in earthworms, as detailed by The Korea Bizwire.
A research team led by Professors Ahn Yoon-joo of Konkuk University and Hyun Young-min of Yonsei University confirmed that Eisenia andrei earthworms exposed to microplastics from polystyrene, commonly used in insulation, packaging, and construction, had reduced phagocytic activity. This is an important function of immune cells, helping to protect the body from infections.
When the team exposed the earthworms to polystyrene particles in laboratory tests, their immune cells reportedly absorbed the microplastics in just 30 minutes. While their immune cells didn't die, their ability to fight off foreign substances, such as E. coli, declined.
In a follow-up experiment, the team found that even when earthworms were exposed to small amounts of microplastics, their immune cell function dropped by 40% in two weeks.
"This study is the first to report that the phagocytic activity of earthworm immune cells, which actively eliminate pathogens in soil contaminated with microplastics, is compromised," adding that "it holds scientific significance," Professor Ahn Yoon-joo told ChosunBiz.
The negative impacts of microplastic contamination in the environment have been well-documented, as researchers have found the particles in our oceans, soil, wastewater, and even fertilizers used to grow crops. When humans or animals ingest these particles, they can have wide-ranging health impacts, including an increased risk of hormone and reproductive disorders, as well as heart disease.
Earthworms are a vital part of soil ecosystems, as they help improve soil structure, break down organic matter — which releases nutrients into the soil — and reduce pathogen activity. They can also boost farm productivity, as the Government of New South Wales explained. If earthworms' immune systems are impaired by microplastics, it will impact their ability to keep the soil healthy and could potentially reduce crop yields.
Researchers have found that biochar — a common soil amendment used on farms — could remove a large amount of microplastics from soil, keeping them out of our food supplies and waterways. This would also benefit earthworms and the farmers who depend on them for healthy soil.
Scientists have also discovered that insects such as mealworms and waxworms could eat through our plastic problem, as they seem to have a large appetite for the material.
Do you think we use too much plastic in America?
Definitely
Only some people
Not really
I'm not sure
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
The best way we can help earthworms and the planet is by reducing the amount of plastic we use. Even a few small changes, such as switching from single-use water bottles to reusable ones and bringing your own to-go containers to restaurants, can contribute to a healthier, plastic-free future.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Epoch Times
5 hours ago
- Epoch Times
Raw Milk Sickens 21 People in Florida Including 6 Children
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Six children are among 21 people who have E. coli or campylobacter infections after consuming raw milk from a farm in Florida, public health officials said. Seven people have been hospitalized, and at least two of them are suffering severe complications, the Florida Department of Health said Monday. It did not specify if any of the six infected children under 10 are among those being treated in hospitals, nor how many people were infected by E. coli, campylobacter or both bacteria.
New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
21 sick with E. coli and food poisoning, including 6 young kids, after ingesting raw milk from Florida farm
Nearly two dozen people, including six young children, were infected with E. coli or Campylobacter infections after drinking raw milk from a Florida farm, according to local health officials. Of the 21 people sickened, seven were hospitalized, including two with severe complications, after consuming the tainted dairy. It's unclear if any of those hospitalized included the young children, who are all under 10 years old. 4 Twenty-one people were sickened after consuming raw milk from a farm in Florida. tonaquatic – Advertisement Officials also didn't specify whether those being treated suffered from E. coli, Campylobacter or both bacterial infections. 'Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases,' public health officials wrote in a state advisory. The farm that sparked the outbreak across central and northeast Florida was not named. Advertisement The bacterial infections can primarily cause various forms of gastrointestinal illnesses and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications like kidney failure. Still, some groups — like vegans who believe dairy farming is unethical — seek out raw milk as a preferred alternative in spite of the risks health officials ceaselessly warn against. 4 The 21 infected reported cases of E. coli and Campylobacter. AP 'We invented pasteurization for a reason. It's maddening that this is happening,' Keith Schneider, a food safety professor at the University of Florida, said. Advertisement In an attempt to cater to the unrelenting raw milk lovers, many states have implemented varying regulations regarding the dairy's sale. Some, bizarrely, permit 'cowshares' where customers can purchase milk produced by designated animals, while others only allow raw milk to be consumed by farm owners and their employees or 'non-paying guests.' 4 Unpasteurized milk isn't heated up to the right temperature to kill bacteria. AP Florida explicitly prohibits the sale and distribution of raw milk for human consumption, so many retailers skirt around the rule by labeling their products as for pets or animals only. Once the carton is out the door, though, it's anybody's game. Advertisement 4 Florida bans the commercial sale of raw milk for human consumption. Pixel-Shot – Between September 2023 and March 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 'one of the largest food-borne outbreaks linked to raw milk in recent US history' that infected more than 160 people in California with Salmonella. The outbreak was linked back to raw milk products from the same dairy, according to the CDC. Unlike Florida, California has limited regulations on the commercial sale of raw milk. With Post wires.
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Chicago Tribune
Raw milk sickens 21 people in Florida including 6 children
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Six children are among 21 people who have E. coli or campylobacter infections after consuming raw milk from a farm in Florida, public health officials said. Seven people have been hospitalized, and at least two of them are suffering severe complications, the Florida Department of Health said Monday. It did not specify if any of the six infected children under 10 are among those being treated in hospitals, nor how many people were infected by E. coli, campylobacter or both bacteria. 'Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases,' reads the state advisory, which did not identify the farm linked to the cluster of infections in northeast and central Florida. Raw milk appears to be gaining in popularity, despite years of warnings about the health risks of drinking unpasteurized products. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say raw milk is one of the 'riskiest' foods people can consume. Raw milk is far more likely than pasteurized milk to cause illnesses and hospitalizations because of dangerous bacteria such as campylobacter, listeria, salmonella and E. coli, research shows. The infections can cause gastrointestinal illness, and in some cases may lead to serious complications, including a life-threatening form of kidney failure. Young children, the elderly, immunocompromised people and pregnant women are at greater risk of complications. 'We invented pasteurization for a reason,' said Keith Schneider, a food safety professor at the University of Florida. 'It's maddening that this is happening.' States have widely varying regulations regarding raw milk, with some allowing retail purchases in stores and others allowing sale only at farms. Some states allow 'cowshares,' in which customers buy milk produced by designated animals, and some allow consumption only by farm owners, employees or 'non-paying guests.' In Florida, the sale and distribution of raw milk for human consumption is illegal, but retailers get around the ban by labeling their products as for pet or animal food only. Schneider called it a 'wink, wink, nudge, nudge,' form of regulation. 'Everybody knows that they're selling it for human consumption,' Schneider said, adding that people getting sick — or even seriously ill — from drinking raw milk is 'not a question of if, but when.'
