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Emerging pollutants sorbed on beach microplastics. Evaluation in the coast of gran canaria (spain)
Summary
Researchers collected and analyzed microplastics from six beaches around Gran Canaria monthly from January to April 2024, examining their role as vectors for emerging pollutants including steroid hormones and UV filters from sunscreens using ultrasonic assisted extraction and UHPLC-MS/MS. They found the highest microplastic counts on the north and east beaches and detected significant concentrations of endocrine-disrupting compounds sorbed onto the plastic surfaces, raising concerns about combined ecological impacts.
In recent years, microplastics (MPs) have been shown to adsorb organic substances on their surface, enabling them to act as pollution vectors. This results in a combined harmful effect from both the microplastics and the pollutants which are adsorbed on them. Among these pollutants, endocrine-disrupting compounds and personal care products, even at trace levels, are particularly concerning due to their detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. Steroid hormones, a key group of endocrine disruptors, can enter the environment through treated wastewater and attach to MPs. On the other hand, UV filters from sunscreens, designed to protect against solar radiation, also pose a significant risk. A growing body of research has highlighted their potential effects on marine organisms, especially regarding bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes. For example, in the marine environment of Gran Canaria, these pollutants have been detected in significant concentrations in various organisms, raising concerns about their long-term ecological impacts.In this study, MPs from six beaches around the island of Gran Canaria were collected, classified, and analyzed monthly between January and April 2024. Emerging pollutants were assessed using ultrasonic assisted extraction and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UAE-UHPLC-MS/MS). The results indicated that the highest number of MPs was found on the beaches in the north and east of the island, with fragments being the dominant type of microplastic. Regarding the presence of adsorbed emerging pollutants, the highest concentrations of steroid hormones were detected on beaches near submarine discharges of treated wastewater, while UV filters were found in most of the beaches surveyed at higher concentrations than steroid hormones. This study underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and regulation to mitigate the impact of MPs and associated pollutants on marine ecosystems. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/566795/document