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Study of metal and organic contaminants transported by microplastics in the Lebanese coastal environment using ICP MS, GC-MS, and LC-MS
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Researchers conducted an untargeted analysis of metal and organic contaminants transported by microplastics along the Lebanese coast, identifying diverse pollutant classes adsorbed onto plastics using ICP-MS, GC-MS, and LC-MS techniques.
An untargeted study of multiclass contaminants associated with microplastics (MPs) in the East Mediterranean was carried out. Samples were collected in 2020-2021 from the shoreline at 14 different locations, along the Lebanese coast. Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) FTIR spectroscopy showed the predominant presence of polyethylene and polypropylene among plastic debris. The non-polar and polar organic compounds sorbed on the MPs were identified and quantified by GC - TOF MS and LC - electrospray MS/MS, respectively. Deconvolution of accurate GC-MS scan data allowed the identification of >130 organic pollutants, 64 of which could be confirmed by matching with the authentic standards, among which a number of previously unreported in targeted GC-MS(MS) methods. In addition to highly toxic, legacy chlorinated pollutants, high levels (average values from 0.8 to 4.0 μg g) of some musks, UV filters and UV absorbers were detected. Untargeted LC-MS demonstrated the persistence of several pesticides (i.e., chlorpyrifos) and pharmaceuticals, such as phenacetin and minoxidil, which were quantified. In addition, a study of metals associated with microplastics using ICP-MS confirmed the high potential of microplastics to act as a vector of, among others, toxic metals, such as Cd, Pb, Bi or Hg.
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Study of contaminants transported by microplastics in the Lebanese marine environment
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Researchers investigated microplastics in the Lebanese Mediterranean coastal environment as vectors for contaminant transport, applying multi-scope analytical approaches to assess environmental risks posed by plastic-associated pollutants including heavy metals, persistent organic compounds, and other chemical classes.
Microplastics pollution along the Lebanese coast (Eastern Mediterranean Basin): Occurrence in surface water, sediments and biota samples
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Microplastics were detected in surface water, sediments, and biota along the Lebanese coastline of the eastern Mediterranean, with concentrations reflecting local pollution pressures and sea current patterns. The study provides baseline data for a heavily urbanized and heavily impacted stretch of Mediterranean coast, confirming widespread microplastic contamination throughout the region.
Screening of organic chemicals associated to virgin low-density polyethylene microplastic pellets exposed to the Mediterranean Sea environment by combining gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry
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Researchers screened organic chemicals that accumulate on virgin low-density polyethylene microplastic pellets exposed to the Mediterranean Sea over eight weeks. Using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, the study identified numerous sorbed contaminants, revealing how microplastics can act as carriers for pollutants in marine environments.
Characterization of plastic debris and association of metals with microplastics in coastline sediment along the Persian Gulf
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Microplastics and sediment samples from Persian Gulf coastlines were found to contain elevated concentrations of heavy metals including lead, cadmium, and mercury, with metals associated with both the plastic surfaces and the surrounding sediment. The study demonstrates that microplastics in this industrialized coastal region accumulate hazardous metals that can be transferred to marine organisms.
Microplastic-sorbed persistent organic pollutants in coastal Mediterranean Sea areas of Tunisia
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Researchers analyzed microplastics collected from four Tunisian Mediterranean beaches, finding they contained sorbed persistent organic pollutants including polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides, highlighting microplastics as vectors for toxic chemicals.
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