Artemia genus as a tool for studies of microplastic ingestion and trophic transfer—a review

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are minuscule plastic particles with significant potential for internalization by various organisms, particularly aquatic species, though they are also detectable in soils and airborne particulate matter. The genus Artemia comprises zooplanktonic microcrustaceans, characterized as non-selective filter feeders, which have long served as subjects in ecotoxicological research. This study undertakes a comprehensive literature review concerning the utilization of Artemia spp. as a tool for investigating the intake and trophic transfer of MPs within food chains. Evidence demonstrates that Artemia species readily ingest various types of MPs and subsequently transfer them through trophic interactions. Several studies indicate adverse effects including reduced survival rates, morphological and histological changes, as well as enzymatic alterations induced by MPs. Nonetheless, in certain instances, the exposure and ingestion of MPs did not manifest any discernible effects on Artemia spp., and in many cases, it was observed that MPs could be depurated from the organism. Upon ingestion, MPs primarily accumulate within the digestive tract but can also be detected in other anatomical regions such as the jaw, tail, and appendages. The utilization of Artemia as a model organism for investigating the ingestion and trophic transfer of MPs represents an emerging area of research, with initial studies dating back to 2015. Consequently, further research endeavors are warranted to elucidate the biological effects stemming from MPs exposure, both in terms of ingestion and trophic transfer. Such investigations should aim to delineate the variables that might interfere with these processes, including exposure duration, MP composition, and diverse toxicity indicators.