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Spatial variability in the concentrations of metals in beached microplastics
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This study measured heavy metal concentrations in microplastic pellets collected from 19 beaches in Brazil, finding that beach pellets had significantly higher metal loads than virgin plastic pellets. The results confirm that microplastics accumulate metals from seawater over time, increasing their potential toxicity to marine organisms.
Heavy metals and microplastics have been considered as threats to the marine environment and the interactions between these two pollutants are poorly understood. This study investigates the interactions between metals adsorbed in pellets collected randomly from 19 beaches along the coast of São Paulo State in southeastern Brazil, comparing these levels with those in virgin pellets. The samples were analyzed for Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sn, Ti and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The polymers were solubilized via acid digestion. The highest levels occurred with Fe (227.78mgkg - Itaguaré) and Al (45.27mgkg - Guaraú) in the same areas, which are closer to the Port of Santos. The metal adsorption on pellets collected is greater than that on virgin pellets. In this context, pellets can be considered to be a carrier for the transport of metals in the environment, even in small quantities.
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This study investigated the content of potentially toxic elements (including heavy metals) in plastic resin pellets collected from beaches, finding that pellets can carry significant concentrations of metals absorbed from the marine environment. The results indicate that plastic pellets serve as vectors not only for organic pollutants but also for inorganic toxic elements, adding to concerns about their ecological impacts.
Field to laboratory comparison of metal accumulation on aged microplastics in coastal waters
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Researchers compared metal accumulation on aged microplastics collected from the field versus laboratory-aged samples in coastal waters, finding differences that highlight the importance of realistic weathering conditions when assessing microplastic-metal interactions.
Surface adsorption of metallic species onto microplastics with long-term exposure to the natural marine environment
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Researchers deployed pre-production polyethylene pellets in the ocean following an accidental spill and recovered them after extended natural exposure, finding that the pellets accumulated a diverse range of metals from seawater, with concentrations increasing over time and varying by metal based on surface chemistry.
Identification of microplastics and inorganic contaminants adsorbed on microplastics collected on the beaches of Ilha Grande
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Researchers characterized microplastics collected from beaches on Ilha Grande — a protected island in Brazil — and used advanced spectroscopic techniques to identify toxic inorganic contaminants adsorbed onto the plastic surfaces, including arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel, lead, and tin. The study confirms that microplastics on beaches are not only a physical hazard but also act as concentrators and carriers of heavy metals, compounding their environmental and human health risks. The findings call for future quantification studies to better understand contamination levels in this ecologically sensitive area.
Adsorption of trace metals by microplastic pellets in fresh water
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Researchers measured the adsorption of trace metals by microplastic pellets in freshwater, finding that pellets accumulate metals from the surrounding water, potentially concentrating metals and altering their bioavailability to aquatic organisms.
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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.