We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Aqueous Eluates of Foamed Plastic Consumer Products may Induce High Toxicity to Aquatic Biota
AI summary Read the abstract
Aqueous eluates from six foamed plastic consumer products were toxic to all tested aquatic organisms — including decomposers, autotrophs, and heterotrophs — with toxicity varying by material and species and increasing with longer exposure times. This study reveals that plastic chemical additives leaching into water pose broad ecotoxicological risks, underscoring the need to evaluate dissolved plastic-associated chemicals alongside particulate microplastics in hazard assessments.
Plastic pollution is a global challenge. Despite plastics being complex chemical mixtures, hazard research has focused on particulate forms and the risks of plastics additives, especially for environmental organisms, remain poorly understood. This is a significant knowledge gap considering ubiquitous organismal exposure to plastics and the associated 16 000+ additives. The aim of this study was to provide ecotoxicological characterization of aqueous eluates of foamed plastic consumer products and propose a test battery for toxicity screening. For that, hazard of eluates of six randomly selected foamed plastic products was evaluated using aquatic decomposers, autotrophs and heterotrophs (Vibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lemna minor, Thamnocephalus platyurus, Heterocypris incongruens, Daphnia magna). Alarmingly, all plastic eluates affected the organisms, though toxicity varied among materials and species. Results showed that short-term contact may underestimate plastic eluate toxicity. To increase environmental relevance of hazard assessment of foamed plastic eluates, harmonizing leachate preparation, using natural water and avoiding (excessive) filtration of eluates should be considered. OECD/ISO assays with R. subcapitata, H. incongruens and D. magna (96 h) can be recommended as a minimal sensitive battery for effective screening of plastic eluate toxicity.
More Papers Like This
Aqueous Eluates of Foamed Plastic Consumer Products may Induce High Toxicity to Aquatic Biota
AI summary Read the abstract
Aqueous eluates from six foamed plastic consumer products were toxic to all six tested aquatic species, with short-term exposure underestimating chronic hazard, and a battery of Raphidocelis subcapitata, Heterocypris incongruens, and Daphnia magna assays recommended for standardized screening. This demonstrates that chemical leachates from common plastic products pose direct ecotoxicological risks independent of microplastic particles themselves, expanding the scope of plastic pollution hazard.
Ecotoxicological consequences of polystyrene naturally leached in pure, fresh, and saltwater: lethal and nonlethal toxicological responses in Daphnia magna and Artemia salina
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the toxic effects of chemicals that naturally leach out of polystyrene plastic in both freshwater and saltwater on two small aquatic organisms. They found that the leachates caused both lethal and sublethal effects, including reduced reproduction and mobility, with toxicity varying depending on water salinity. The study highlights that the chemicals released by degrading plastics may pose risks to aquatic life even when the plastic particles themselves are not directly ingested.
Toxicity Assessment of Microconstituents in the Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review describes the fate, behavior, transport, and toxicity assessment of microplastics in aquatic environments, covering ecotoxicological test methods and their limitations, and calls for reduced plastic use and promotion of eco-friendly alternatives that degrade safely.
New insights into the impact of leachates from in-field collected plastics on aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested chemical leachates from different types of beach-collected plastics on a range of marine organisms and found that fishing nets, hard plastic containers, and trawling rubber were the most toxic. The plastics released over 30 chemical additives, with some causing death or developmental problems in crustaceans, sea urchins, jellyfish, and fish larvae. This study highlights that microplastic pollution harms marine life not just through physical ingestion but also through the toxic chemicals plastics release into the water.
Toxic Effects of Ester Based Polymers on Daphnia Magna: a Laboratory Microcosm Study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the acute and chronic toxicity of polycarbonate, PET, and polybutylene terephthalate microplastics on Daphnia magna, finding EC50 values of 2.6, 4.7, and greater than 100 mg/L respectively at 72 hours, with physiological effects observed even at low immobilization rates. The study demonstrates that ester-based polymer microplastics differ substantially in their toxicity to freshwater zooplankton.
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.