Modulation of PAH toxicity on the freshwater organism G. roeseli by microparticles

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are widespread and environmentally persistent chemicals and a recurrent focus of scientific and public attention due to their effects on humans and the environment. PAH differ in their properties, but many of them are bioaccumulative and/or toxic to organisms.

PAH readily bind to particles in air, soil and sediment, including almost ubiquitous plastic particles. This adhesion can reduce the bioavailability and thus also the toxicity of the chemicals. The authors of this paper analyse the modulation of PAH toxicity on the freshwater organism G. roeseli by microparticles.

The studies show a reduction in the toxicity of the PAH phenanthrene due to plastic particles. At the same time, no difference in modulation was found between plastic particles and naturally occurring sediment particles. These findings can most likely be explained by the similar adsorption of PAH to both particle types resulting in reduced bioavailability

The whole study is available on this website.