Interesting study by the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology and Nagasaki University

Researchers analyzed additive-derived chemicals in floating microplastics and larger plastic debris collected from coastal, offshore, riverine, and seafloor environments around Japan. They detected a wide range of chemicals, including antioxidants, plasticizers, ultraviolet stabilizers, and flame retardants, and identified Irgafos 168-related compounds, the plasticizer DEHP, and the flame retardant HBCD as chemicals of particular concern. These chemicals showed distinct environmental behaviors, including leaching from plastics, sorption from surrounding water and particles, and persistence during fragmentation and transport in marine environments. The findings show that fragmentation into microplastics does not necessarily reduce concerns about chemicals and highlights the need to consider the environmental fate of plastic-associated chemicals in risk assessment and management.

Marine Microplastics Carry Concerning Plastic Additives Even After Fragmentation