Microplastics (MPs) are one of the most complex pollutants; they have different chemical composition, exist in different sizes, and shapes. Until recently, most laboratory studies have used spherical MPs, whereas most MPs found in the environment are fragments, fibres, and films, thus they may interact differently with the surrounding environment. In this context the aim of the study was to investigate the effects of MPs shape on biofilm development in the aquatic environment. MPs with the same size (approx. 100 µm) and chemical composition (polyethylene) with different shapes (spheres, fragments, and films) were aged in freshwater from a local stream under controlled laboratory conditions for six weeks. The water was changed every week to ensure enough nutrients and microorganisms. At the end of the experiment, the amount of biofilm, the concentration of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) within the biofilm, and the chlorophyll a content (as an indicator of the presence of microalgae) were evaluated. The greatest amount of biofilm was formed on the surface of films, while biofilm on spheres contained the highest concentration of EPS, followed by biofilm on fragments and films. Chlorophyll a content was the highest in biofilm on films, while almost no chlorophyll a was detectable in biofilm on spheres. Our results suggest that the composition of the biofilm may vary depending on the shape of MPs, which may affect the interactions of MPs with other pollutants and biota and thus their fate in the aquatic environment.
Primary Presenter: Ula Rozman, University of Ljubljana (ula.rozman@fkkt.uni-lj.si)
Authors:
Ula Rozman, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology (ula.rozman@fkkt.uni-lj.si)
Aleksandra Kuljanin, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology (Aleksandra.Kuljanin@fkkt.uni-lj.si)
Gabriela Kalčíková, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology (gabriela.kalcikova@fkkt.uni-lj.si)
Shape of microplastics is an important factor for biofouling in the aquatic environment
Category
Scientific Sessions > SS024 Down the Drain and Down the River: The Transport, Fate and Impact of Micro- and Nanoplastic on Their Way to the Oceans
Description
Time: 06:30 PM
Date: 7/6/2023
Room: Mezzanine