Microplastic accumulation in terrestrial insects on the example of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

The study of microplastic (MP) accumulation in terrestrial insects was conducted from 2012–2015 and continued through 2024 at 26 study areas located in 16 administrative regions of Eurasia and North Africa. A total of 466 wasp individuals from natural populations were analyzed. The study focused on three genera (Vespa, Vespula, and Polistes) from the family Vespidae as model objects, including a total of 9 species. The analysis revealed the presence of fibers of various lengths and colors, including black, blue, and transparent fibers, as well as orange, red, and blue fragments. MP accumulation in wasps exhibited regional variations, with the highest MP contamination occurring in regions located in proximity to the World Ocean. The highest MP content, with an average of 4.00±2.00 item/ind, was recorded in Len-ingradskaya Oblast. Microplastics and fibers were abundant in wasps from Primorskii Krai and Sakhalinskaya Oblast, accounting for 2.83±0.89 item/ind and 3.00±1.00 item/ind on average, respectively. The lowest content of microplastics and man-made fibers in wasps was recorded in the Republic of Crimea (0.30 ± 0.24 item/ind), South Kazakhstan Region (0.27 ± 0.40 item/ind), and Matruh Province, Egypt (0.28 ± 0.40 item/ind). Black and transparent fibers that are likely to shed from synthetic textiles were most abundant. Plastic fragments were much less prevalent and were not detected in wasps from most of the study areas. Thus, terrestrial insects have the capacity to accumulate microplastics and man-made fi bers, thereby contributing to their distribution within terrestrial ecosystems.