Ula Rozman (Author), Tilen Turk (Author), Tina Skalar (Author), Marija Zupančič (Author), Nataša Čelan Korošin (Author), Marjan Marinšek (Author), Jesus Olivero-Verbel (Author), Gabriela Kalčíková (Author)

Abstract

Microplastics in the environment occur in different sizes and shapes and are made of various polymers. Therefore, they also considerably differ in their properties and ecotoxicity. However, the majority of microplastics research uses pre-made spherical microplastics, which practically do not exist in the environment. Our work focused on a comprehensive study of six different types of microplastic that were prepared to simulate common microplastics found in the environment. All types of microplastics where chemically and physically characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and laser diffraction analysis. The specific surface area was determined using the BET method. Furthermore, effects of microplastics and microplastic leachates on a common duckweed (Lemna minor) were evaluated. All tested microplastics did not affect specific growth rate and chlorophyll a content in duckweed, while microplastics with a rough surface and sharp edges caused a significant reduction of duckweed root length. Microplastics made of Bakelite also showed an intensive leaching, which increased their ecotoxicity potential. Natural particles used as a control did not have any negative effect on duckweed. Overall, microplastic particles have significantly different ecotoxicity profiles depending on their physico-chemical properties. Therefore, the testing of environmentally relevant particles and their proper characterization, as well as the testing of microplastic leaching properties, is crucial for understanding of microplastics ecotoxicological potential.

Keywords

površinske vode;mala vodna leča;izlužki;makrofiti;mikroplastika;vaskularne rastline;freshwater;duckweed;leachate;macrophytes;microplastics;vascular plants;

Data

Language: English
Year of publishing:
Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization: UL FKKT - Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
UDC: 504.5:678:628.1
COBISS: 50576643 Link will open in a new window
ISSN: 0048-9697
Views: 87
Downloads: 33
Average score: 0 (0 votes)
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Other data

Secondary language: Slovenian
Secondary keywords: površinske vode;mala vodna leča;izlužki;makrofiti;mikroplastika;vaskularne rastline;
Type (COBISS): Article
Pages: str. 1-10
Issue: ǂVol. ǂ773
Chronology: 15 Jun. 2021
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145576
ID: 15948763