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Plastic debris, persistent organic pollutants and their toxicity impacts in coastal areas in Central Chile
Summary
Scientists tested plastic trash washing up on beaches in Chile and found it carries toxic chemicals, including flame retardants (PBDEs) at notably high levels, plus signs that these chemicals can damage DNA and harm living cells. Since this plastic debris eventually breaks down into microplastics that can enter waterways, seafood, and potentially our bodies, the findings are a reminder that ocean plastic isn't just an eyesore, it can be a chemical hazard too.
The chemical components of plastic wastes have made their disposal a major economic, social, and environmental problem worldwide. This study evaluated the acute toxicity and genotoxicity of marine plastic debris on the beaches of Concepción Bay, Central Chile, taken during three periods (spring, summer, and winter). An integrated approach was used, including chemical and toxicological data, using the Microtox® test with Vibrio fischeri and SOS chromotest with Escherichia coli and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The results presented here exclusively include the novel data obtained from the winter campaign, revealing high concentrations of PBDEs (238 ± 521 ng g-1). In addition, the genotoxicity and acute toxicity tests were sensitive for most of the samples studied. This investigation is the first attempt to analyse the toxicity of plastic debris in coastal areas along the Chilean coast.