Antarctica's Native Insect Found Ingesting Microplastics, Raising Environmental Concerns
A research team led by the University of Kentucky has discovered that Antarctica's only native insect, the Belgica antarctica midge, is ingesting microplastics. This study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, marks the first time microplastics have been documented inside wild-caught Antarctic insects. The research was initiated by Jack Devlin, who was inspired by a documentary on plastic pollution. The Belgica antarctica, a non-biting midge, is the southernmost insect on Earth and plays a crucial role in nutrient recycling in Antarctica's ecosystem. Despite the harsh conditions of Antarctica, microplastics have been found in the region due to ocean currents, wind transport, and human activities. The study found that while the midges' survival and metabolism were not immediately affected by microplastics, larvae exposed to higher levels had lower fat reserves, indicating a subtle impact on their energy balance. 
