Identification and quantification of additive-derived chemicals in beached micro–mesoplastics and macroplastics. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tanaka, Kosuke; Takahashi, Yusuke; Kajiwara, Takehiro; Matsukami, Hidenori; Kuramochi, Hidetoshi; Osako, Masahiro; Suzuki, Go
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 186(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Microplastics -- Additives -- Antioxidants -- UV stabilizers -- HALS -- CB-11; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114438
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Although marine plastic debris are expected to retain various chemical additives, little is known about the additives that are retained. We conducted a screening analysis of additives in 261 macroplastic and micro–mesoplastic debris from two beaches. We detected 52 chemicals—antioxidants, phthalates, ultraviolet stabilizers, hindered amine light stabilizers, and flame retardants—and quantified the concentrations of 15 of them. Comparison of the concentrations of Irgafos 168, an antioxidant stabilizer, among sample categories indicated that leaching had occurred from micro–mesoplastics. Differences in diffusion rates between polymer types may explain faster leaching from polyethylene than polypropylene. The significant amounts of Irgafos 168 retained in even micro–mesoplastics indicated the importance of plastics as a vector of additives. This study provides fundamental data needed to assess the risks to organisms from exposure to plastic additives and to understand the effect of stabilizers on the aging behavior of marine plastics. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Non-target screening analysis of chemicals was conducted on 261 marine plastic debris. Fifty-two chemicals were detected, some of which are known for toxicity. Fifteen additive-derived chemicals were further quantified. Leaching could cause lower concentration in micro–mesoplastics than macroplastics. Micro–mesoplastics as well as macroplastics retained significant levels of additives.