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Microplastics Reduce Short-Term Effects of Environmental Contaminants. Part II: Polyethylene Particles Decrease the Effect of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Microorganisms

Author

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  • Julia Kleinteich

    (Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany)

  • Sven Seidensticker

    (Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany)

  • Nikolaj Marggrander

    (Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany)

  • Christiane Zarfl

    (Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany)

Abstract

Microplastic particles in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are currently discussed as an emerging persistent organic pollutant and as acting as a vector for hydrophobic chemicals. Microplastic particles may ultimately deposit and accumulate in soil as well as marine and freshwater sediments where they can be harmful to organisms. In this study, we tested the sensitivity of natural freshwater sediment bacterial communities (by genetic fingerprint) to exposure to microplastics (polyethylene, 2 and 20 mg/g sediment) and microplastics loaded with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, phenanthrene and anthracene), using a laboratory-based approach. After two weeks of incubation, the bacterial community composition from an unpolluted river section was altered by high concentrations of microplastics, whereas the community downstream of a wastewater treatment plant remained unchanged. Low microplastic concentrations loaded with phenanthrene or anthracene induced a less pronounced response in the sediment communities compared to the same total amount of phenanthrene or anthracene alone. In addition, biodegradation of the PAHs was reduced. This study shows, that microplastic can affect bacterial community composition in unpolluted freshwater sediments. Moreover, the results indicate that microplastics can serve as a vehicle for hydrophobic pollutants but bioavailability of the latter is reduced by the sorption to microplastics.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Kleinteich & Sven Seidensticker & Nikolaj Marggrander & Christiane Zarfl, 2018. "Microplastics Reduce Short-Term Effects of Environmental Contaminants. Part II: Polyethylene Particles Decrease the Effect of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Microorganisms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:2:p:287-:d:130673
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Saskia Rehse & Werner Kloas & Christiane Zarfl, 2018. "Microplastics Reduce Short-Term Effects of Environmental Contaminants. Part I: Effects of Bisphenol A on Freshwater Zooplankton Are Lower in Presence of Polyamide Particles," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-15, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jérôme Lavoie & Anne‐Marie Boulay & Cécile Bulle, 2022. "Aquatic micro‐ and nano‐plastics in life cycle assessment: Development of an effect factor for the quantification of their physical impact on biota," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(6), pages 2123-2135, December.

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