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Ecotoxicological Impact of Cigarette Butts on Coastal Ecosystems: The Case of Marbella Beach, Chile
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Researchers assessed the ecotoxicological impact of cigarette butt leachates on plant species at Marbella Beach, Chile, and found that the leachates severely inhibited seed germination and plant growth. The cigarette butts released significant concentrations of iron, zinc, and other harmful chemicals, with lettuce showing greater sensitivity than ryegrass. The study underscores that cigarette butts are a persistent source of both chemical pollution and microplastics in coastal ecosystems.
Cigarette butts (CBs) are a major source of persistent pollution in coastal ecosystems, introducing harmful chemicals and microplastics into the environment. This study assesses the ecotoxicological impact of CB leachates on Marbella Beach, Chile, by analyzing the metal contamination and its phytotoxic effects on Lactuca sativa and Lolium perenne. Three scenarios were evaluated: CBs alone, CBs mixed with sand, and sand alone. Leachate analysis revealed significant concentrations of iron and zinc, with higher toxicity observed in scenarios involving CBs. Ecotoxicological assays demonstrated that cigarette butt leachates severely inhibited seed germination and plant growth, particularly in Lactuca sativa, which showed greater sensitivity compared to that of Lolium perenne. The results underscore the partial mitigating role of sand, although it was insufficient to prevent the toxic effects of CBs. The persistence of cellulose acetate in the environment and the continued release of hazardous chemicals highlight the ecological risks posed by cigarette butt pollution. These findings emphasize the need for improved waste management strategies and the development of biodegradable cigarette filters to reduce environmental contamination in coastal areas.
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Emerging threat of marine microplastics: Cigarette butt contamination on Yellow Sea beaches and the potential toxicity risks to rotifer growth and reproduction
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This study surveyed cigarette butt pollution along eight Yellow Sea beaches and tested how their chemical leachate and plastic fibers affect tiny marine animals called rotifers. The cigarette butts released harmful chemicals and microplastic fibers that reduced rotifer reproduction and survival. Since cigarette filters are made of plastic that breaks into microplastics, discarded butts are a significant but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution in coastal areas.
A Review of Environmental Pollution from the Use and Disposal of Cigarettes and Electronic Cigarettes: Contaminants, Sources, and Impacts
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Researchers reviewed the environmental pollution caused by the use and disposal of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, including their role as a source of microplastic contamination. Cigarette butts made of cellulose acetate are minimally degradable and represent a major source of both bulk plastic and microplastic pollution, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. The study documents that cigarette butt leachate and nicotine are toxic to a wide range of organisms from microbes to mammals.
Toxicants Released from Cigarette Butt and Other Tobacco and Nicotine Product Waste and Their Ecotoxicological Impact: A Systematic Review with One Health Perspectives
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This review pulls together 47 studies showing that discarded cigarette butts leak toxic chemicals, nicotine, and tiny plastic particles into soil and water, harming fish, plants, and other wildlife. While the focus is on ecosystems, it's a reminder that this common litter is a lasting pollution source, and its ripple effects on the environment we depend on are still not fully understood.
Cigarette Butt Pollution in Aquatic Ecosystems: Sources, Environmental Fate, Ecotoxicological Impacts and Mitigation Strategies
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Cigarette butts are one of the world's most common types of litter, and this review shows they leak toxic chemicals and tiny plastic fibers into rivers, lakes, and oceans, harming fish and other wildlife. These pollutants can build up in aquatic animals, meaning they could eventually make their way into the seafood we eat, so reducing cigarette litter matters for both ecosystems and our own health.
Role of Cigarette Butt in poor plant growth and nitrate levels
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A student science experiment found that water leached from discarded cigarette butts reduced plant height and lowered soil nitrate levels in two plant species over 11–16 days, suggesting cigarette butt microplastics and toxic leachates impair plant nutrition. While the study is small-scale, it adds to growing evidence that the 4.5 trillion cigarette butts littered globally each year pose a measurable risk to soil health and plant growth.
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