The team investigated the effects of five different chemical digestive aids on various types of plastics, using low, medium, and high concentrations of zooplankton. The findings have been published in the journal 'Science of the Total Environment'.
"Plastic pollution is found in deep-sea and shoreline sediments, surface waters, and marine biota. This has far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, including harm to marine animals, and has the potential to impact food webs and habitats," said Flinders University PhD candidate Elise Tuuri.
"If scientists can find a way to determine the association of microplastics with zooplankton, we have a chance to understand and potentially curb damage from microplastics," she added.
Microplastics, defined as particles less than 5mm, are increasingly being discovered in the digestive systems of fish and shellfish, raising concerns about the safety of seafood. These particles can also be found in drinking water and other food products, with both plastics and chemical additives posing potential toxic risks.
The production of plastic has surged from 2 million metric tonnes in 1950 to 380 million metric tonnes in 2015, making plastic pollution the dominant form of human-made marine litter worldwide. This figure is projected to triple by 2050.
By utilizing various levels of cultured zooplankton in controlled settings, the researchers at Flinders University examined the effects of five chemical digestive aids-acid, two types of alkaline, enzymatic, and oxidative-on common plastics such as polyamide, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
Professor Sophie Leterme, a coauthor of the study and director of the ARC Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, noted that the different methods produced varying degrees of damage to the chemical and physical composition of these microplastic pollutants.
"This research could enhance our ability to report microplastic abundances using these methods, helping us collect vital data on microplastic particles," said Professor Leterme. "This will enable us to understand the environmental and health impacts and develop effective strategies to mitigate marine pollution."
Research Report:Efficacy of chemical digestion methods to reveal undamaged microplastics from planktonic samples
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