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Quantification of PAHs, PCBs and Pesticides adsorbed by plastic waste in the Togolese marine environment
Summary
Researchers analyzed plastic waste collected along the Togolese coast and found it contaminated with PAHs and PCBs, demonstrating that marine plastics act as vectors for toxic organic pollutants. This adsorption of harmful chemicals onto plastic surfaces poses risks to marine organisms and potentially to humans who consume seafood.
Abstract The study aims to determine the different pollutants adsorbed by plastic waste along the Togolese coast. To this end, nine samples were taken from three different sites and analysed by GC-MS and LC-MS. Apart from pesticides, which were found in only one sample, PAHs and PCBs were adsorbed by all nine samples collected. Thus, the total concentrations of PAHs and PCBs at the different sites give respectively in ng/g; at Aneho, 677.16 and 26.95 on the LDPE debris, those of PP are 195.92 and 8.85; 136.34 and 4.04 on the PET sample. At Kodjoviakope, 596.5 and 14.6 on the LDPE sample; those of PP are 196.46 and 11.37; 105.15 and 1.6 on the PET sample. In the Fishing Port, 1182.56 and 9.87 on the LDPE sample, PP 336.57 and 13.04; 274.06 and 2.74 on the PET sample. There is a need to take measures to eradicate their presence at sea.