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First record of Hyperphyscia coralloides (L.) Scutari growing on PET plastic within a fruit crops plot and its implications
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Researchers discovered that a lichen species growing on PET plastic bottles left outdoors for three years accumulated microplastic particles within its tissue. This is the first record of a lichen colonizing plastic in a real-world crop setting, suggesting that even plastic-colonizing organisms can become contaminated with the microplastics shedding from the substrate.
Abstract In a fruit crop located in the Lujan district (Buenos Aires province, Argentina), we exposed plastic bottles to the environment for three years. We explored microplastics’ presence on thalli. Out of the potential five lichen species only one grew: Hyperphyscia coralloides . Microplastic particles were observed on the thalli. The present work represents the first record of H. coralloides growing on PET plastic. Considering the largest thalli size recorded, the results of the growth rate are similar in an average to those recorded for fruticose species. Finally, our results suggest that the contact of H. coralloides with microplastics may be a potential pathway for the incorporation of microplastics into ecosystems.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.