Scientists from the University of Hong Kong have discovered that microplastics – pieces of plastic smaller than five millimeters – are not only dangerous in themselves, but can also make chromium more toxic. Research published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters.
Previous research has shown that heavy metals can easily bind to microplastics, and this combination has the potential to harm aquatic life. The authors of a new study found that microplastics can not only carry toxic substances, but also affect their properties.
For example, chromium can take different oxidation states. It is relatively safe at oxidation state 3 and becomes toxic at oxidation state 6. The scientists showed that the degree of oxidation of chromium is higher in the presence of microplastics from UV filters used in sunscreens.
The chemists then tested the toxicity of the chromium and microplastic mixture on microalgae. Microalgae growth was inhibited when exposed to a mixture containing UV filters, suggesting that chromium was indeed converted to a more toxic form.
Source: Gazeta
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