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Effect of seasonal dynamics on microplastic pollution and its vectorization of heavy metals: An in-vitro toxicity assessment in Artemia franciscana
Summary
Researchers measured microplastic levels at a coastal site in Chennai, India, before and after a major cyclone and found that concentrations increased significantly in both sediment and seawater following the storm. They also found heavy metals like aluminum, zinc, and lead attached to the microplastic surfaces, and toxicity tests showed these contaminated particles caused oxidative stress in brine shrimp. The study demonstrates how extreme weather events can redistribute and intensify microplastic pollution in coastal environments.
This study extensively investigated the abundance of microplastics in Thiruvottiyur coastal area of Chennai, India, before and after Cyclone Michaung. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between microplastic distribution and aftermath rainfall. The concentration of microplastics in sediments increased from 150 ± 48 particles kg to 186 ± 21 particles kg after the cyclone. In seawater, the concentration rose from 1.28 particles L to 3.65 particles L, respectively. Heavy metals such as Al, Mg, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu, Cd, Co, and As were detected on the surface of microplastics, demonstrating their vectorization potential for co-contaminants. After exposure, these microplastics induced oxidative stress in Artemia franciscana with increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Fluctuations in weather conditions lead to heterogeneous changes in microplastic distribution, revealing the seasonal dynamics of microplastics. This study will provide background information to devise strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution in the marine environment.