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Stealth microplastics pollutants: Toxicological evaluation of polyethylene terephthalate-based glitters on the microalga Desmodesmus sp. and its color effect
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Researchers found that PET-based glitter microplastics and their chemical leachates are toxic to the microalga Desmodesmus, with toxicity varying by glitter color, highlighting glitter as an overlooked source of primary microplastic pollution.
Polyethylene terephthalate-based glitters (PET glitters) are a potential source of primary microplastics in the environment. However, the bioeffects of PET glitters and the associated leachates remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the individual and combined toxicity of five colors (silver, black, red, green, and blue) of PET glitters and their corresponding leachates on the cellular responses of Desmodesmus sp. The results indicated that the photosynthesis of Desmodesmus sp. could be partly affected by PET glitters through the shading effect, but not that of growth. Conversely, the leachates of red and green PET glitters significantly inhibited the growth of the microalga, suggesting a higher risk associated with additives leached from these colors of PET glitters. Furthermore, the adverse effects of the co-occurrence of PET glitters and leachates were closely related to oxidative stress responses in the microalgal cells, along with a color effect, which could be mainly attributed to variations in the composition and abundance of toxic additives in different colors of PET glitters. Overall, our findings provide insights into the ecological risks posed by glitters in aquatic environments and emphasize the importance of considering color factors in assessing microplastics toxicity.
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Tiny, shiny, and colorful microplastics: Are regular glitters a significant source of microplastics?
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Researchers examined whether conventional glitter products made from polyethylene terephthalate represent a significant source of microplastic pollution, finding that their widespread use in cosmetics, crafts, and textiles makes them a notable but underexamined contributor to environmental microplastic contamination.
Physical and chemical impacts of conventional plastic versus biodegradable glitters on freshwater primary producers
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Researchers compared the effects of conventional PET glitter and two types of biodegradable glitter on algae, separating the physical presence of the particles from the chemical effects of what leaches into the water. While conventional plastic glitter caused physical harm, both types of glitter released leachates that affected algal physiology. The study shows that replacing traditional microplastics with biodegradable alternatives does not necessarily eliminate all environmental risks.
Ecotoxicological Assessment of “Glitter” Leachates in Aquatic Ecosystems: An Integrated Approach
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Leachates from nine types of commercial glitter were tested for toxicity in freshwater and saltwater model organisms across three soak periods up to 180 days. Photosynthesizing primary producers were most sensitive to glitter leachates, with some formulations causing significant growth inhibition, raising ecotoxicological concerns about this largely overlooked microplastic category.
All that glitters is litter? Ecological impacts of conventional versus biodegradable glitter in a freshwater habitat.
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A mesocosm experiment compared the effects of conventional PET glitter versus biodegradable alternatives (including modified cellulose and mica) on freshwater ecosystems, finding no significant effect on biodiversity but a reduction in algae photosynthesis from conventional glitter. The results suggest biodegradable glitter alternatives may be less harmful, though the effects of both types at higher concentrations or over longer periods remain unclear.
A Glow before Darkness: Toxicity of Glitter Particles to Marine Invertebrates
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Researchers evaluated the toxicity of glitter microplastic particles on marine invertebrate embryos, finding that both green and white glitter types caused developmental abnormalities in sea urchins and mussels, partly due to chemical leachates.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.