The first plastic produced, but the latest studied in microplastics research: The assessment of leaching, ecotoxicity and bioadhesion of Bakelite microplastics. (15th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Klun, Barbara; Rozman, Ula; Ogrizek, Monika; Kalčíková, Gabriela
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 307(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08-15
• Subjects: Aquatic toxicity -- Adsorption -- Bioadhesion -- Leachate -- Microplastics; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, is a rather unexplored material in the field of ecotoxicology, despite its long production and use. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecotoxicity of Bakelite microplastics (before and after leaching) and its leachates on four aquatic organisms: the crustacean Daphnia magna, the plant Lemna minor, the bacterium Allivibrio fischeri and the alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata . Bakelite microplastics before and after leaching and leachates affected all organisms, but to varying degrees. Leachates showed increased ecotoxicity to Daphnia magna, while Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was more affected by particles. For Lemna minor and Allivibrio fischeri, the effects of particles before leaching and leachate were comparable, while the negative effect of particles after leaching was minimal or not present. All leachates were analysed, and phenol and phenol-like compounds were the predominant organics found. In addition, bioadhesion of Bakelite microplastics to the surface of Daphnia magna and Lemna minor was confirmed, but the particles were mainly weakly adhered. Results of this study suggest that, in addition to the recently studied microplastics from consumer products (e.g. from polyethylene and polystyrene), microplastics from industrial plastics such as Bakelite may be of increasing concern, primarily due to leaching of toxic chemicals. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Bakelite microplastics and its leachates affected aquatic organisms. Bakelite microplastics exhibit a lower ecotoxicological profile after leaching. They adhere to surface of Lemna minor and Daphnia magna. Phenol and phenol-like compounds were predominant organics in leachates.