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Can biodegradable plastics mitigate plastamination? Feedbacks from marine organisms
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Researchers tested whether biodegradable plastics (PLA) are safer for marine life than conventional plastics (polypropylene) and found that both types caused similar toxic effects in marine animals. Both plastics triggered stress responses and cell damage in brine shrimp at multiple life stages, with more advanced stages being more sensitive. This raises doubts about whether switching to biodegradable plastics will actually reduce the harm of microplastic pollution in oceans.
The EU plastic strategy aims to reduce the environmental impact of the increasing plastic production, by replacing petrochemical-based polymers with biodegradable ones. But this mitigation measure for the plastamination might, in turn, generate bio-based microplastics in environments that are not necessarily safe. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics, polylactic acid (PLA) and polypropylene (PP) respectively, and their leachates were used for testing microplastic (MP) effects on seven marine species from different trophic levels, including bacteria, algae, rotifers, copepods, amphipods and branchiopods. Results highlighted the toxic effects of both MPs for three consumers, but no toxicity for decomposers and primary producers. Leachates did not induce negative effects for five species tested. A dose-dependent toxic effect of both PP and PLA on different life stages of A. franciscana was observed, with more advanced stages being more sensitive to MPs in terms of mortality. Molecular analysis revealed increased mRNA levels of Heat shock proteins in A. franciscana metanauplii and adults, suggesting their role in oxidative stress response, and decreasing in juveniles, indicating potential irreversible damage. These results indicated that PLA and PP might have comparable ecotoxicological impacts, raising concerns about the effectiveness of biodegradable polymers in mitigation plastic pollution. The study also emphasizes the importance of considering different trophic levels, life stages, and feeding strategies when evaluating the toxic effects of MPs from a One Health perspective.
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Biodegradable microplastics: Uptake by and effects on the rockpool shrimp Palaemon elegans (Crustacea: Decapoda)
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Researchers fed shrimp three types of microplastics, including two biodegradable kinds (PLA and PHBV) and conventional polyethylene, and found that all types were readily eaten. Surprisingly, the biodegradable microplastics stayed in the shrimp's stomachs longer than the conventional plastic, and all types triggered stress-related enzyme activity. This suggests that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safer for marine life than conventional plastics once they break down into microplastic-sized particles.
Toxicity assessment of bioplastics on brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) and cell lines
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Researchers compared the toxicity of two biodegradable bioplastics, polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate, against conventional polyethylene using brine shrimp and animal cell lines. They found that the bioplastics showed similar or slightly lower toxicity compared to petroleum-based plastic in both test systems. The study suggests that while bioplastics are marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives, their potential biological effects still warrant careful evaluation.
Comparison of the Potential Chronic Toxicity of Polypropylene and Polylactic Acid to the Amphipod Gammarus Aequicauda
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Researchers compared the chronic toxicity of conventional polypropylene (PP) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics on the marine amphipod Gammarus aequicauda to assess whether bioplastics are a safer alternative. The study found that both polymer types caused harm to this crustacean, indicating biodegradable plastics are not necessarily benign once released into marine environments.
Biodegradable and conventional microplastics posed similar toxicity to marine algae Chlorella vulgaris
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Researchers compared the toxicity of biodegradable microplastics made from polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate with conventional microplastics made from polyethylene and polyamide on marine algae. They found that both types inhibited algal growth and photosynthesis to a similar degree, causing comparable oxidative stress and cell membrane damage. The study challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are inherently safer for marine ecosystems than conventional plastics.
Are polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics a risk to marine organisms? Acute and chronic effects on the amphipods Gammarus aequicauda
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Researchers tested whether polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics, often marketed as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics, are safe for marine life. Both short-term and long-term exposure to PLA microplastics harmed marine amphipods, causing mortality at high concentrations and reduced growth and reproduction at lower levels. This challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are harmless to the environment and suggests they may pose similar risks as conventional microplastics.
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