A Glow before Darkness: Toxicity of Glitter Particles to Marine Invertebrates

Author(s)

Abessa, Denis Moledo de Souza ; Albanit, Leticia Franca ; de Moura, Pedro Henrique Paixao ; Nogueira, Vitoria Soares ; Santana, Felipe Teixeira ; Fagundes, Kaina ; Ueda, Maysa ; Muller, Otto Patrao de Oliveira ; Cesar-Ribeiro, Caio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TOXICS; v. 11, n. 7, p. 13-pg., 2023-07-01.

Abstract

Glitter particles are considered a model of microplastics, which are used in a wide range of products. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of two types of glitter (green and white, with distinct chemical compositions) dispersions on the embryonic development of the sea urchins Echinometra lucunte, Arbacia lixula, and the mussel Perna perna. The Toxicity Identification and Evaluation (TIE) approach was used to identify possible chemicals related to toxicity. Glitter dispersions were prepared using 0.05% ethanol. The tested dispersions ranged from 50 to 500 mg/L. The white glitter was composed of a vinyl chloride-methyl acrylate copolymer. The effective concentrations of green glitter to 50% embryos (EC50) were 246.1 (235.8-256.4) mg/L to A. lixula, 23.0 (20.2-25.8) mg/L to P. perna and 105.9 (61.2-150.2) mg/L, whereas the EC50 of white glitter to E. lucunter was 272.2 (261.5-282.9) mg/L. The EC50 for P. perna could not be calculated; however, the lowest effect concentration was 10 mg/L-that was the lowest concentration tested. The filtered suspension of green glitter had Ag levels exceeding the legal standards for marine waters. TIE showed that metals, volatiles, and oxidant compounds contribute to toxicity. The results showed that glitter may adversely affect marine organisms; however, further studies are necessary to determine its environmental risks. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/03004-0 - Assessment of bioaccumulation and toxicity of innovative antifouling nanomaterials on tropical and neotropical marine invertebrates
• Grantee: Denis Moledo de Souza Abessa
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/25498-5 - Effect of flame suppressing agents and foam-forming liquids on fish
• Grantee: Maysa Ueda de Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 22/01542-0 - Chemical characterization and bioaccumulation of innovative antifouling nanomaterials in neotropical and subtropical marine invertebrates
• Grantee: Letícia Albanit França
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 22/09070-0 - Toxicity of binary mixtures of new nanostructured materials: combination of corrosion inhibitors and antifouling biocides, and comparison between marine organisms from neotropical and temperate regions.
• Grantee: Maysa Ueda de Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/09300-0 - Ecotoxicological assessment of microplastics: toxicity of glitter on embryos of the sand-dollar Mellita quinquiesperforata
• Grantee: Letícia Albanit França
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 22/06164-4 - Toxicity of innovative antifouling nanomaterials on neotropical and subtropical marine benthic invertebrates
• Grantee: Caio Cesar Ribeiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral