Soil contamination by microplastics has been found to weaken the immune function of earthworms, key organisms in the soil ecosystem and agricultural environment, drawing significant attention. Korean researchers at Konkuk University and Yonsei University report that microplastics-contaminated soil found to increase earthworms’ susceptibility to Infection. The study was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials in March (online). 

In the soil bioassay, earthworms were exposed for two weeks to soil contaminated with microplastics at a concentration of 0.1% (1,000 mg/kg soil). As results, phagocytosis and pinocytosis of earthworm immune cells were reduced by 40% and 29%, respectively, compared to the control group (100%) even though earthworm survivals were negligibly affected.

This study is the first report reveals the phagocytosis, which is the ability of earthworm immune cells to actively eliminate pathogens, is impaired in soil contaminated with microplastics.

Inhibition of phagocytosis and pinocytosis in earthworm immune cells in soil polluted with polystyrene microplastics

[Reference] Kwak J.I. et al., (2025) “SMicroplastic pollution inhibits the phagocytosis of E. coli by earthworm immune cells in soil” Journal of Hazardous Materials

[Main Author] Jin Il Kwak (Konkuk University), Youn-Joo An (Konkuk University)

* Contact email : Professor Youn-Joo An (anyjoo@konkuk.ac.kr)