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Bioaccumulation of trace metals in the plastisphere: Awareness of environmental risk from a European perspective
Summary
Plastic debris floating in the ocean quickly gets coated with a slimy layer of microorganisms (called the "plastisphere") that can soak up toxic trace metals from the water. Researchers tested plastics at five European coastal sites over a year and found that how much metal builds up depends on the type of plastic, the location, and the season, with Naples, Italy showing the highest metal buildup. This matters because these metal-contaminated plastics can travel long distances on ocean currents, potentially spreading pollution, and the fish and seafood we eat, far from where the plastic was originally dumped.
The term "Plastisphere" refers to the biofilm layer naturally formed by microorganisms attaching to plastic surfaces. This layer possesses the capability to adsorb persistent organic and inorganic pollutants, particularly trace metals, which are the focus of this research study. Immersion experiments were concurrently conducted in five locations spanning four European countries (France, Ireland, Spain, and Italy) utilising eight distinct polymers. These immersions, repeated every three months over a one-year period, aimed to evaluate the baseline bioaccumulation of 12 trace metals. The study underscores the intricate nature of metal bioaccumulation, influenced by both micro-scale factors (such as polymer composition) and macro-scale factors (including geographical site and seasonal variations). Villefranche Bay in France exhibited the lowest metals bioaccumulation, whereas Naples in Italy emerged as the site where bioaccumulation was often the highest for the considered metals. Environmental risk assessment was also conducted in the study. The lightweight nature of certain plastics allows them to be transported across significant distances in the ocean. Consequently, evaluating trace metal concentrations in the plastisphere is imperative for assessing potential environmental repercussions that plastics, along with their associated biota, may exert even in locations distant from their point of emission.