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Comparative role of biofilm-covered microplastic and sand particles as vectors of ¹⁴C-PCB-153 to Paracentrotus lividus
Summary
This study compared the ability of biofilm-covered microplastics versus biofilm-covered sand to act as vectors for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in marine organisms. The results showed that the vector role of microplastics for toxic chemicals is less significant than previously assumed when compared to natural particles.
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of concern per se, but also based on their ability to concentrate and disseminate environmental contaminants (such as polychlorinated biphenyls; PCBs), acting as vectors for the transfer of toxic chemicals into marine organisms. However, the relevance of the role of MPs as vectors of contaminants adsorbed onto their surfaces (i.e., co-contaminant) is currently a matter of debate highlighting the hypothesis that MPs would play a minor role as vectors compared to naturally occurring particles (e.g. sediments) because of their relative abundance in the environment. The present study compares the role of biofilm-covered microplastics (500-600 µm; negatively buoyant polyethylene beads) and sand particles as vectors of ¹⁴C-PCB-153 into adult specimens of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Results showed that after 14 days of exposure, the transfer of ¹⁴C-PCB-153 from biofilm-covered particles to sea urchin tissues occurred to a similar extent for both types of particles, suggesting that MPs located on the seafloor may act as vectors of PCB-153 in a similar way than other natural particles such as sand. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/558786/document